THU Jul 24 There was a late breakfast—7am—because the Rally at the NE Capital steps in Lincoln was scheduled for 5pm. We planned to meet at the Bourbon Theatre on O St at 4pm. The plan was to March as a group 4 blocks over to the Capitol and arrive shortly before 5. I walked over to the gear truck and got my musical equipment and went over to the Capitol steps to set up. We were scheduled to play before the Rally started. Bob Fritzmeier, a friend from Sioux City, arrived. We had a chance to catch up with each other before the Climate Justice Gypsy Band began to play. We played for about 5 minutes and then the speakers were introduced. There were a substantial number of Nebraskans at the Rally. Anna introduced the March and then introduced Ed. Ed made a brief overview of the March and turned the mike over to a Nebraskan who explained what Nebraskans are doing about Climate Change, and how the March helps emphasize what they’re doing. She explained that we are taking a petition, signed by numerous people, and the Marchers to the Governor’s Mansion. Bob and I took my insturments over to his car and joined the March to the Mansion. The gates to the yard were all locked. Then a fellow read the proclamation to the Governor. When he finished the proclamation he must have pushed a button on the entrance because an officer came out of the Mansion and over to the gate. He was handed the petition with all its signatures then returned to the Mansion. The Governor didn’t appear. We Marched back to the steps of the Capitol where a pastor described what was required of us, what we were doing, and gave her blessing. We then headed over to the school where there was sweet corn and dinner for those who wanted it. On the way over I discovered why Bob was so familiar with Lincoln: he had attended University in Lincoln. As we moved along I took the opportunity to introduce Bob to the Marchers. He was pleased to meet them, find out where they were from, and get their perspective on the March. I introduced him to Miriam, who has been elected as the Mayor of the March. When Bob told her he was from Sioux City, she informed him that was where she was born. He also made a financial contribution to the March, which was much appreciated. Since the next day was a stay-day I was introduced to the man who was the taxi to my host’s residence. He took Bob and me back to Bob’s car to get the bass and amp, then went to the gear truck where I packed the music equipment and got my overnight equipment. Bob had to be back in Sioux City at his work on Friday morn, so we said “Goodbye” and departed. Our host was Trish. She was working at the checkout counter at HyVee until 10:30, so JJ and I settled in and waited for Trish to get home. She arrived and we had some conversation before bedtime. -- Peace, David