Love from the Heart City - Valentine, Nebraska

So you want to show your special Valentine how much you care? There's still time and it won't cost but a couple stamps and a little bit of your time and it sure is a romantic thing to do.

Buy or make a Valentine's card and address it to your special someone - or someone(s) - think family members here. Put some colorful stickers on the inside and outside and make it look lovely. When everything is addressed and stamped and ready to go - put them in a large envelope and mail the whole thing to Cupid's Mail Box at: P.O. Box 201, Valentine, NE 69201.

Cupid will take these special declarations of love and put his own stamp on the outside of the envelope. 

Then Cupid will take the cards for your special loved ones over to the Valentine Post Office where they will cancel the stamp with special sentiments from Valentine, Nebraska, the Heart City!
The Chamber of Commerce also hosts a Valentine's Card contest that begins in December and one lucky winner is chosen from among the entries. Their artwork is made into a card and printed by Valentine Midland News and Printing; you can see the card pictured above right. This year's winner is David Dorsey of Newport, NE. These Valentine's Cards can be purchased through local businesses in Valentine as well as the Chamber of Commerce who can be contacted by calling 402-376-2969.

Cards can also be sent directly to the Valentine Post Office where they will use their own set of cachet's on the outside of the envelope. Cards will be sent in the same manner as with Cupid's Mail Box, addressed to the recipient with proper postage inside a larger envelope addressed to Valentine Post Office, Valentine's Day remailing, 239 N. Hall Street, Valentine, Nebraska, 69201-9998.

Some folks like to have their Valentine's cancelation on February 14th, others like them to be cancelled and mailed back to be received by the recipient on February 14th. There's not a lot of time left, so get your cards ready. To make the envelopes even more sentimental, use the USPS LOVE stamp!

These beautiful cards are from the Cherry Blossom Paperie in Valentine and are on display at the Valentine Post Office. Remember, odd shaped, oversized, or embellished cards will require EXTRA POSTAGE. If you're not sure, put on some extra postage just to make sure they reach your loved one!

So you have a special someone(s) and you can show that love by mailing your Valentine's Cards through the City with Heart, Valentine, Nebraska, and take advantage of Cupid's Mail Box or the folks at the Valentine Post Office.
What a non-fattening, budget minded, creative way to show your loved one how much you care!

Valentine's Day in the Heart City - No BULL!

There are many activities planned for the weekend before Valentine's Day to celebrate this holiday of love.
Sounds like a lot of bull? Not really, but we're headed in that direction with the annual Bull Bash, February 11, 2012. Valentine's Main Street is blocked off with bulls and equipment vendors lining the street. There is the 4-H Luck of the Draw - buy some tickets and you may be lucky enough to win that prize.

 The curly headed Herefords are a favorite.

 The Bull Bash is a place fit for royalty even.

 Ranchers discuss the best genetics and qualities for cattle production.

 Pens of Angus, Charolais, Maine-Anjou, Hereford, and Limousin, line Main Street. The City puts out Welcome flags for the exhibitors and visitors to the annual Bull Bash.

There's enough equipment to have any man drooling just like a woman in a shoe store!

A look at the many different items that have been donated for the 4-H Luck of the Draw. What would you like to be lucky enough to win?

Will you be lucky enough to attend? Check back and see some more sights of the annual Bull Bash that will be held February 11, 2012, rain, snow or sunshine!!

Happy New Year and Valentine's Day!

We're half way into a new month, and just slightly into a new year ... here's hoping 2012 is going to be a fabulous year for you and yours. We're just about a month away from Valentine's Day...that day set aside to show family and friends how much you love them. Of course, you can always tell them.

But why not show them. If you're looking for someplace secluded, spend your weekend in a cabin nestled in the Sandhills at the Double R Guest Ranch. Call toll free at 866-217-2042 to book your retreat. They're open year-round and you and your loved one can gaze at the stars with an unobstructed view. No...not the stars in each others eyes....the stars in the heavens above - doesn't that sound romantic? There's a 1908 sod house one room school house that can be explored...among other things.

While there hasn't been any snow on the ground, here is what it could look like at the Double R Guest Ranch should the white stuff make an appearance.

Photos courtesy of Double R Guest Ranch. This is a very historical location and a place where you can make history as well. Call Double R Guest Ranch to make arrangements for a fantastic Valentine's Day get-away at 308-546-2314, or go to www.sandhilldoublerranch.com.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

Praying you and your loved ones have the very best CHRISTmas this year! Christ's birth is a gift of hope! May your hope grow every day and let His light sign forth!

And for those who had been hopeful for a white Christmas....hopefully this will make your day!

Merry, merry, merry Christmas!

The One and Only...gift of good taste!

There is just one Jesus whose birthday we're preparing to celebrate! He's the One and Only...and with this thought in mind, why not give a gift that is also one of a kind. There are some wonderful businesses here in the Sandhills that have unique, one of a kind gifts that also show good taste!

Price's Gallery and Framing has original art work as well as prints with with a Western theme.

The unique wooden animal art is made with woods that haven't been stained and are in their natural state. What intricate workmanship!

The title of this print is "Wishes do Come True." Merry Christmas!

There are lots of choices to be found at Prices Gallery and Framing including wildlife fine art!

Across the street, stop at Janine's Emporium for a cup of coffee (talk about good taste) and browse the original artworks that are created by local artists.

Dave Dorsey has fall colors reflected in what maybe the Niobrara River?

Hedda Matheson used watercolors for this painting that depicts a buck and doe wandering the Sandhills.

Titled Home Sweet Home, this acrylic painting was done by Dave Dorsey.

Nancy Blumenstock used watercolors and ink to create this forest of birch trees.

Almost directly across the street is Plains Trading Company who has several items that showcase good taste as well as one of a kinds! 

 Each one of Pat Schemmer's raku pots is really one of a kind.

 But there's also some rustic good taste that can be imagined with all of these Red Wing bowls. How about a gigantic batch of chocolate chip cookies or even more rustic, oatmeal raisin!

 While wrapping presents, why not enjoy the good taste of one of these designer teas, above, or coffees below? Ahhhhhh....

Not interested in making your own coffee? The gift of good taste can be given all year long with a gift certificate from Auntie D's. Call ahead, and they'll have it waiting for you at their drive up window.

Yummmmmmm....what delicacies and desserts could these pots and pans deliver to your deserving loved ones. It's all in good taste for one of a kind dinners!

 Utensils are handy stocking stuffers and would really be tender to the pots and pans above!

 Served on these Christmas platters and serving dishes, your Christmas table will be a vision of good taste!

Your table will be spectacular with this dishware found at Flower Land! In ivory, sage and red; it's perfect for the Christmas festivities.

 More serving pieces match and will be a symbol of good taste!

 Whether they're for your table or for gifts, these placemats and napkins are nice.

The most important thing about preparing for Christmas is not to get squirrley! It's a celebration of LOVE! His love for us!!! His One of a kind, unsurpassed, deep, down, love! Face it, He's NUTS about you!!!
Merry, merry, Christmas!

Give your loved one the gift of comfort and joy!!!

Remember Jesus is the ultimate comforter and He can bring you so much peace this time of year...all you have to do is ask. Ask and ye shall receive! As everyone is frantically shopping, getting last minute gifts, wrapping them and planning the dinner - has anyone thought of giving their loved one comfort for Christmas?
Well, my friend, there are several places here in the Sandhills that have some comfort which would fit nicely under the tree....well... in some instances, beside the tree!
Let's look at Nelsen Furniture - where more than just the price is right! They have a large selection of La-Z-Boy and Flexsteel recliners! Did you know there is a chair that is just your size too? Kind of like Goldilocks!

 And in bold Nebraska colors as well!!!

 SURPRISE!!! My favorite! Soft as a snow leopard. Purrrrrrr~~~~

 Maybe you don't have friends and family over for Christmas dinner because you need a new dining table and chairs??? Nelsen Furniture  had a large selection for you to choose from that will give everyone at the table comfortable elbow room.

What about after Christmas dinner? Too stuffed to do anything but roll around and moan? This is when a gift from Four Seasons Warehouse Furniture will come to the rescue! They have sectionals that will have to fit around the christmas tree and will hold all your loved ones after your fine Christmas meal.

With night time looming - it's time to get a much needed rest. Why not go for the newest in bedding?
Gel. That's right. No springs. No foam. No air. But gel, like the insoles. Cool, refreshing. Lay down and get comfortable. That's what this is all about. Comfort at Four Seasons!

And what little one wouldn't drift off into dreamland with a comfortable new bed with a tufted headboard - sure there will be a vision or two of sugarplums dancing in her head!

These are gifts you can give your loved ones from right here - in the Sandhills. Does it get any better than a comfortable, peaceful home?