Inspired Living Omaha July-August 2021

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VOLUME 19

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ISSUE 4

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Christen 402-444-1094 | chris.christen@owh.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Marjie Ducey 402-444-1034 | marjie.ducey@owh.com DESIGNERS April Burford Jennifer Frencl COPY EDITOR Courtney Brummer-Clark

m OV I N G ? H A N D L I N G A N E S TAT E ?

Your old treasures become new to someone else!

Furniture accessories rugs Wall art

poshpeacock.net 402.933.9666

Bel air Plaza #704 12100 W. Center rd.

Our 10th Year in Bel air Plaza.

ON THE COVER Home of Ashley and James Lantis Photographed by Mandy McGregor Photography CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Kurt A. Keeler, Mandy McGregor CUSTOM PUBLISHING SALES COORDINATOR Nick Cavallaro 402-444-1202 | nick.cavallaro@owh.com EVENTS Tam Webb 402-444-3125 | tam.webb@owh.com

1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102 Inspired Living Omaha (ISSN 23795948) is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald. ©2021, Omaha World-Herald, a Lee Enterprises Company. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by those interviewed are their own. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for content, opinions or practices, or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the original work of the provider, and the publisher is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement.

omaha.com/inspiredliving

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

contents 42

8 EDITOR’S NOTE 6

WORK? NO, PURE JOY

HISTORIC GEM 8

HER DUNDEE DOMAIN

BEFORE & AFTER 17

THE CHURCH HOUSE

HOMESPIRATION BACKYARDING, 4 WAYS

24 27 31 34

MAD FOR ROSES WILDLIFE HAVEN BETTER THAN FLORIDA

SPEAKING OF PLANTS 40

34

BEE HOTELS

RECIPES 42

SPICY TUNA POKE BOWL

DESTINATION 45

KIMBERLY CREEK ESTATES

EXPERIENCE LOCAL 48 48

THE CLASSICS SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

45

CRAZY FOR YARD ART

omaha.com/inspiredliving

5

HIGHLIGHTS REEL It’s impossible to arrive at a Top 20 — so consider this a sampling of my favorite covers from 2012 to 2021.

Special thanks to go-to photographer Jeffrey Bebee, whose “pretty pictures” have graced our pages for more than a decade.

May-June 2012 Photography: Amy Lynn Straub

November-December 2013 Photography: Dev Hanumara and Heather Winkel

January-February 2014.

Photography: Jeffrey Bebee

EDITOR’S NOTE

Work? No, pure joy THERE’S AN

life’s possessions. I won a

ADAGE, “If you enjoy

national award for the way

what you do, you’ll

in which I told Buster’s

never work a day in

story, and found my life’s

your life.” It’s been that

passion.

way for me. Everyone

Over the past 35 years —

should be so lucky.

How did it all start?

With Buster, a January-February 2012, the debut of a new look to complement a new direction for the editorial content.

Fashion, travel, art and leisure now are standing topics. Photography, Jeffrey Bebee. Design, Ananda Spadt.

May-June 2017 Photography: Heather & Jameson

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

homeless man who

yes, that long! — I’ve been CHRIS CHRISTEN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

piqued my interest in

privileged to meet tens of thousands of fascinating people and tell countless stories for the Omaha

college. He lived out of a cardboard box

World-Herald. Representing the state’s

and got around town on an old bicycle

largest newspaper definitely opened

with a rickety basket stuffed with his

doors — especially when I took the

May-June 2019 Photography: Jeffrey Bebee

November-December 2015 Photography: Tin Box Pictures

November-December 2018 Photography: Julia Russell

January-February 2021 Photography: Lily Smith

July-August 2018 Photography: Jeffrey Bebee

helm of this magazine a little more than a decade ago.

July-August 2014 Photography: Heather & Jameson

July-August 2017 Photography, Jeffrey Bebee

them gives all of us a richer sense of place.

I am so very grateful to the interior

When we debuted a redesign in 2012, a

designers, boutique owners, florists, chefs,

skeptical advertiser said to me, “Your new

home builders and many, many others who

magazine is pretty, but let’s just see if you

have been great connectors, collaborators,

can sustain it.”

advertisers and friends through the years.

Challenge accepted!

To those homeowners who graciously

I am gratified by the recognition and

invited me over and shared your stories:

thanks my staff and I receive when we’re

The very best part was saying “hello” with

out and about and someone exclaims, “I

a handshake and “goodbye” with a hug.

love your magazine!”

March-April 2019 Photography: Thomas Grady

And to you, beloved readers. How do I

This issue is especially meaningful for

begin to thank you for every article you’ve

me. It marks my last as editor in chief. I’ve

enjoyed, every issue you’ve saved, every

accepted a full-time creative position with

email we’ve exchanged? The right words,

the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

even for a writer, are hard to find. I’ve had

It’s a career move that keeps me telling

the time of my life because of you.

stories — hopefully for an audience as appreciative and loyal as you.

Here’s to the joy of putting heart into our homes!

We don’t have to look far for remarkable

Gratefully,

spaces for these pages. The Omaha metro area is filled with them, from historic gems to ultra-modern marvels. Knowing about

September-October 2020 Photography: Kiley Cruse

September-October 2016 Photography: Heather & Jameson

March-April 2015 Photography: Jeffrey Bebee

September-October 2017 Photography: Heidi Hoffman

May-June 2018 Photography: Jeffrey Bebee

omaha.com/inspiredliving

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I His&Hers HISTORIC GEM

f you’re familiar with the old television sitcom “Green Acres,” you’ll appreciate the life of Danielle and Ross Ridenoure.

Each has a different idea about

retirement. Ross is all about the country

He loves the country. And that’s OK. She has a mansion that she adores.

while Danielle prefers living in the city, just like the couple in the show.

The Omahans have compromised. They have two homes: a hobby farm in Blair

STORY

MARJIE DUCEY

PHOTOGRAPHY

ANNA REED

where Ross can have a few animals, an organic garden and pursue a lifetime

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

interest in natural health and wellness,

Blair, is available for retreats, weddings,

and a Georgian Colonial in Dundee, perfect

graduations and other special events, as

for Danielle’s antiques and formal way of

well as business functions.

entertaining.

“This is my thing and the farm is his,”

Their 1917 home — one of the first grand dames in Dundee — was

Danielle says. “We’re a couple who have

designed by George Prinz. Danielle

two separate interests. He has always had

says she’s made the McCord Mansion

his heart in the country.”

available for business dinners, wedding

The common denominator is that the

showers and small gatherings, and

house and the farm are both working

is renting rooms to traveling doctors

properties.

and nurses.

The farm, known as the Big Red Barn in

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

SUNROOM

Danielle Ridenoure’s 1917 home has 7,850 square feet and 10 rooms, each with their own architectural character.

HOMEOWNER

Danielle Ridenoure loves decorating with antiques.

DETAILS

This chandelier hangs in the formal dining room. omaha.com/inspiredliving

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MUSIC ROOM

The front music room once featured a grand piano. It has a service call button under the fireplace mantel.

EXTERIOR

Danielle Ridenoure’s home, built in 1917, was one of the first grand dames in Dundee.

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Danielle bought the house three years

“The house is meant to be enjoyed by

ago while Ross was still working as an

people who will appreciate its beautiful

engineer in Dubai, not realizing all the

architecture and glamour of yesteryear,”

work that lay ahead.

she says. “I knew right away it was the home I’d been looking for.”

“I probably should have been afraid of

third floor, which includes six bedrooms, one of which will be an office for Ross.

A hail storm a few weeks after the purchase meant a new roof, and they’ve replaced all the wiring. A second-floor

such a large project, seeing that the house

bedroom at the top of the stairs has been

is 7,850 square feet with 10 bedrooms and

turned into a sitting room with French doors

visited while they were performing at the

eight bathrooms, but for some reason I

that bring in natural light. They replaced the

Omaha Community Playhouse — just

wasn’t,” she says. “Though the home was in

crown molding in the spacious music room to

a sampling of the Who’s Who to waltz

good condition, it was time for an update.”

match the mahogany details elsewhere.

Actors Henry Fond and Marlon Brando

through the doors.

DINING ROOM

The homeowner’s plan is to make the McCord Mansion available for catered affairs.

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

Danielle is in the midst of renovating the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

ENTRANCE

The entry foyer, with a view of the formal dining room through pocket doors.

MUSIC ROOM

The front music room, with a view of the entryway in the background.

STAIRCASE

The grand staircase, with twin balusters.

It’s crafted from mahogany and white oak.

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13

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

The kitchen remains to be done. She hasn’t touched the elevator, either.

“We really took the extra time to make sure the home was brought back to the original standards,” Danielle says.

Danielle has done extensive landscaping on the nearly one-acre property. A carriage house apartment was so popular, Danielle received “love letters” from prospective tenants.

Between the two properties and their various projects, Danielle says she seems to be meeting with contractors daily. She’s done a lot of work in hotel renovation and management, but add in these two businesses and she’s always on the run.

“It would be hard to walk away,” she says. “The stately grand dame of the neighborhood is standing tall and proud. A stunning reminder of our city’s past as well as the vision and tenacity of the dreamers who came before us.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

TEA ROOM

The elegance of yesteryear lives on in the 1917 mansion.

KITCHEN

The kitchen is unchanged from the way it was when the couple bought the home.

ELEGANT ACCENTS

Ornate antique fixtures enhance the historic feel of every room.

FURNITURE A dresser in one of the many bedrooms.

FIREPLACE An original bedroom fireplace. There are dual master bedrooms.

BATH

The third-floor bathroom.

The entire floor is under renovation.

omaha.com/inspiredliving

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

21_38_5

EXTERIOR

Finding that the church was for sale was an answer to a prayer. It gave Tim and Kathy Johnson a place to live as well as room for her business.

BEFORE & AFTER

‘CHOUSE’ BLESSINGS Revamped church is a sanctuary for DIY couple and wildlife in their care

O

STORY

MARJIE DUCEY

PHOTOGRAPHY

JEFFREY BEBEE AND MARJIE DUCEY

rphaned kitties sleep in the vestibule and rambunctious baby raccoons chatter in a playpen in the sanctuary.

Zion Lutheran Church in Benedict, Nebraska, may no longer be saving souls, but it’s still in the rescue business.

Tim and Kathy Johnson purchased the church in September 2020 as

a home — for both humans and animals.

Kathy is a volunteer for the Wildlife Rescue Team Inc., of Lincoln.

She receives hundreds of calls each year asking her to help save injured or abandoned wildlife. She can’t say no to puppies or kittens either.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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MEMORIES

Kathy once attended this church when she lived in Benedict.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

“That’s my therapy,” Kathy says.

She works to return to the wild any type of animal she may get a call or Facebook message about. It’s a daily occurrence.

Kathy also runs K9 Coach Training, which was why spotting the “For Sale” sign on the 1917 church was, for them, divine intervention.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on her business, she could no longer afford the $1,000-a-month rent on her commercial property in nearby York.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” she says.

The church was the victim of a dwindling congregation.

The Johnsons were able to buy the building, sell their old house and live mortgage-free.

The church is the same one that Kathy attended when she lived in Benedict. Her son, Adam, was married there and his sons were baptized there. Today, he and his family live just a few blocks away.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

OWNER

Kathy with Gizmo, one of her three dogs. They are usually joined by cats, raccoons, birds and squirrels.

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GRAND SPACE

The sanctuary of the church is now the couple’s living room.

JULY/AUGUST 2021

BUILT-IN ART

The former altar area makes the perfect dining spot.

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CRAFT ROOM

A half-wall cube with an arched entry gives Kathy a craft room.

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

BIRD

A parakeet lives in an enclosure in the living room.

It’s a rescue, of course.

DETAILS

At top right, a detail of an arched opening on a half-wall, enhanced by a view of stained glass. At right, a candle holder, also original to the space.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Professionals were hired to install walls

A dining room table sits where the altar was located; there’s a couch and TV in the

and do plumbing and electrical work,

sanctuary, and the kitchen sits where the

otherwise the Johnsons have tackled

organ and choir once did.

everything on their so-called “chouse.”

An overflow room behind the sanctuary

They’re documenting the project on

is now the main (and only) bedroom, with a

Facebook because so many people have

breadbox-style roll-up wall for privacy. They

been interested.

used an extra portion of the tongue-and-

“We get visitors all the time,” Kathy says.

groove pine on the half-wall in the kitchen.

While the outside, with its beautiful

Kathy’s popular dog training classes

stained glass windows, still appears the

are held in the basement. The kitchen will

same, the inside is beginning to look more

house baby wildlife once it’s overhauled.

like a home than a church.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 omaha.com/inspiredliving

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

A second-floor choir room, with its slanted floor, would be the perfect place for a movie room. If they can only find the time.

Kathy says she once bottle-fed 21 baby raccoons at the same time. Two years ago 52, and last year 30, raccoons came under her care.

Tim recently finished a large enclosure in the backyard for an albino raccoon that can never be released in the wild, and squirrels who will soon roam the neighborhood.

“It’s very time-consuming,” Kathy says. “All morning up to lunch, I’m doing something with an animal.”

Knobs sit waiting to be installed on kitchen doors. The main floor is refinished, but try as they might, they can’t get the tracks from the pews out of the wood.

Kathy has enjoyed the renovation though it’s much more work for Tim, who is doing the heavy labor.

“In the end when he’s done,” Kathy says, “he’s happy and proud of what he accomplished.”

PANTRY

The “pantry” used to be the pastor’s office.

BASEMENT

The basement of the church is where Kathy holds her dog training classes.

RACCOON

Kathy cares for raccoons as part of her work with wildlife.

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

HOMESPIRATION

Backyarding New paths to enjoyment seem to be here to stay

B

STORY

MARJIE DUCEY

ackyards have endless possibilities, from gardening to a place to relax or play games with the family. There’s even a new term for all of those activities: backyarding.

Industry experts note that homeowners got really creative as they

expanded and enjoyed their yards over the last year. Their prediction: Long after the coronavirus pandemic passes, our yards will become an even greater part of our lives.

Turn the page to see four Omaha-area backyards — each with a different purpose — bringing year-round joy to their owners.

omaha.com/inspiredliving

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Rose bushes line the driveway and front walkway of Wade Phillips’ home in northwest Omaha. David Austin English roses dominate the beds.

HOMESPIRATION

FOR LOVE OF THE

ENGLISH ROSE Omahan’s collection of beloved bushes numbers in the hundreds

W

STORY

ade Phillips is so crazy about growing

MARJIE DUCEY

PHOTOGRAPHY

CHRIS CHRISTEN

however you want to look at it.”

Wade says he fell in love with the

roses that one yard

color and fragrance of roses. He and Jean

isn’t enough.

spurred each other on.

His collection has

Caring for all of them now is not easy by

overflowed to two gardens adjoining his

himself and at age 74, he’d like to trim the

northwest Omaha home. In what he called

number of bushes to a more manageable

his last census in October 2019, he had 513

150 to 200. This spring alone, he spread 20

of the colorful perennials.

cubic yards of mulch to keep weeds at bay

He’s been downsizing since the loss of his beloved wife, Jean McIntosh, to cancer

and roots cool.

He hasn’t purchased a single rose this

a few months after that count. Romance

year. When he does buy one, he prefers

bloomed when he helped her with her

the David Austin English rose variety. He

gardens and she brought more than 300

doesn’t have a favorite.

roses to their eight-year marriage.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

“Each of us liked the English garden-look and enjoyed gardening,” Wade says. “We just kept getting worse and worse or better and better,

EXPERT TIP

Contact the American Rose Society for free advice specific to your growing zone. “One size doesn’t fit all,” says Wade Phillips.

omaha.com/inspiredliving

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SIDE YARD

Wade’s yard isn’t just about roses; there are annuals, too. This bed is in a side yard.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Fertilization causes the plants to bloom more.

“It’s just their style,” he says. “They are classified as a shrub but are generally a fairly large bush with dozens and dozens of huge blooms

“Frequent deadheading and good soil, a good Ph level, are all important factors in raising healthy roses,” he says. “If you don’t understand all the things going on in

that are frequently fragrant. They are the

your soil, you probably aren’t going to raise

old garden rose style, but with repeated

the best roses you can.”

flowering throughout the season.”

While many gardeners are daunted by the thought of growing roses, Wade says fertilize them once a month and

Roses haven’t been a cheap passion, but that’s OK for Wade. He also has a vegetable garden.

“What do you want to do in your life

water them regularly, especially when it’s

with your money? Do you want to save it

blistering hot, and they’ll flourish. He also

all for your heirs or do you want to enjoy it

sprays weekly to prevent fungus.

by looking at a nice garden every day?”

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JULY-AUGUST 2021

GARDEN ACCENT

One of the statues in Wade’s yard is Apollo, the god of archery in both Greek and Roman mythology. Wade is a lifelong archer.

BATH TIME

A red-tailed hawk enjoys the bird bath in the backyard, right outside the dining room window.

HOMESPIRATION

BACKYARD MENAGERIE Landscaping draws every critter in the neighborhood, and that’s the way they like it

W STORY

MARJIE DUCEY

PHOTOGRAPHY

MICHAEL LEONARD

anita Leonard is more of a naturalist than a French poodle style of gardener, husband Michael says.

A perfectly coiffed landscape is not her ideal.

Providing wildlife habitat is, so she welcomes the

woodchuck family of seven burrowing in the berm in

her pollinator garden each summer. And the foxes, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, skunks and birds of all kinds that are drawn to the half-acre property in the Loveland neighborhood.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

“I’m a lifelong gardener and always have been interested in wildlife and preserving what we have,” Wanita says. “Diversity is important. We don’t have enough of that.”

The Leonards had a typical, mostly grass-filled lot when they bought the house 18 years ago.

They first tackled a whole-house makeover, living in the family room for eight months while the residence was transformed around them.

Michael, an architect, drew up plans for the front lawn, connecting two plots under huge weeping fir trees. It wasn’t quite what they wanted, so they brought in Jeffrey

in the backyard with Benjamin Vogt

Mink of Urban Prairie Landesign to

of Monarch Gardens. He designed a

says Vogt helped to change her

enhance their plan and provide the

10-to-12-foot-wide plot that stretches

philosophy about what she plants.

spark that was missing.

across the back of the lot.

“It’s not so much how it looks

“My wife painstakingly planted

“He was very instrumental in encouraging me to go natives and

from the street,” Michael says.

500-plus native Nebraska plants,”

not use so many of the typical plants

“What are the views from the inside

Michael says. “That made the whole

you see in the garden centers,” she

of the house looking out?”

backyard become this natural

says.

habitat.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Wanita went a different direction

SERENITY

A path leading up to the front door of the house.

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Wanita, a master gardener,

JULY-AUGUST 2021

SHARING

A resident woodchuck and squirrel enjoy a meal.

WATCHFUL EYE

A visiting fox surveys the cemetery next door.

FLOWER POWER

Their plants attract a lot of pollinators.

CONEFLOWERS

Coneflower blooms in the Certified Nebraska Pollinator Habitat in the backyard.

NATIVE HABITAT

Hundreds of pollinator-loving perennials and native plants are found along the fence line. omaha.com/inspiredliving

29

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Wild indigo is her favorite, along with coneflower and native grasses. Though not native, tulips are favorites, too.

Along with all the plant cover, several bird feeders and bird baths completed the work. Wanita spends about $100 each month on seeds for all types of birds.

Thanks to the peanuts, Michael says, the squirrels on the block treat their yard like it is their own private McDonald’s. That, in turn, brings in hawks and other raptors.

Michael is the photographer in the family. He’ll crawl up to the full-length windows of their dining room with his camera to photograph the wildlife that treks through their yard on a daily basis.

“It’s like I have my own personal blind,” he says.

BIRDBATH

Michael enjoys morning coffee with a bluejay.

CAPE COD

When they moved in, they gave the house a makeover. The exterior has Cape Cod influences.

PLANTINGS

Alliums bob in the breeze next to wild indigo.

WILDLIFE

A standoff between a rabbit and woodchuck in the area Michael calls “the feeding zone.” They put out food every day.

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JULY-AUGUST 2021

VIEW

The Perlebachs’ favorite part about their home is the lake view. They decided on a hot tub instead of a pool.

HOMESPIRATION

‘Better than Florida’ Sand pit lake house satisfies need for life on the water

G

STORY

MARJIE DUCEY

PHOTOGRAPHY

eorge Perlebach has always dreamed of living on the water.

California or Florida didn’t work

LILY SMITH

“Whether it’s fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding or just going out for a sunset cruise on a pontoon, activities in the neighborhood always center on the lake and tie

because of professional and family ties, so

everyone together,” he says. “We have a boat, and I‘m

he and wife, Jenny, picked a third option:

sitting on the back porch, looking at that boat. I need to

stay put in Nebraska and buy a lot at the Bluewater

mow, but I’d rather go out on the boat.”

development created by Lanoha Real Estate near Valley.

JT Savoie of Lanoha Nurseries started designing

“We found the place we love the best,” George says.

the landscape even before the house was built, with an

“The sandy beaches and clear water remind us of the

emphasis on curving garden beds to contrast the sharp

Florida Keys.”

angles of the house. George said it was important that the

The retired physician grew up boating on Carter Lake, Lake Manawa and the Missouri River and wanted to enjoy that lifestyle again.

Since buying the lot in the summer of 2017 and

landscape fit their residence and casual lake living.

Because he didn’t know a lot about plants, he and Savoie spent a few days in a truck, driving through acres and acres of trees, shrubs and plants to determine what

constructing their home, he’s grown to love the former

would work best.

sand pit and the water enthusiasts who live around it.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 omaha.com/inspiredliving

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

The project turned out perfect, George says.

“I didn’t want something very formal.

I wanted it to look like it belonged on the prairie,” he says. “We have a lot of grasses and native prairie.”

Though many in the development have pools, George and Jenny decided against one because with Nebraska’s weather, it could only be used four or five months of the year.

Instead, stepchildren Bridget and Will Reefe cavort on a large swimming platform on the lake. If they don’t want to dip their toes in the cold water, a neighbor lets them use their pool.

A large fire pit sits where they had once considered adding a pool. They also get a lot of use from their hot tub.

They’ve only been living in their home for a few months, but it feels comfortable and user friendly. You can’t beat the views of the lake, either.

“It feels like it belongs on the water,” George says.

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

COOL DIGS

Jenny and George Perlebach. George has always wanted to live on the water, and now he has a boat in his own backyard.

NATURAL OASIS

Because of the home’s angular lines, the landscaping has more curved edges.

Grasses are a big part of the landscape.

HOMESPIRATION

It’s not junk; it’s reused art STORY

PHOTOGRAPHY

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JULY/AUGUST 2021

MARJIE DUCEY

MARY ROBBINS AND DALE HINKELDEY

T

o understand the magic of photographer and artist Mary Robbins, friends will tell you to check out her backyard.

“I guess I’m a little eclectic,” she says in a

huge understatement.

Maybe it’s the towering wall of bottles that diffuses the view of the apartments next door; the mastermind of friends Don Bolter and Dale Hinkeldey. They spent hours soaking off the labels and then drilling a hole in each to make the 18- x 42-foot

fence, which replaced 21 diseased Scotch pines.

Or maybe it’s the row of antique radiators. The

downtown Omaha for 63 years, doubling the size after purchasing the lot next door. Though full

collection of chimes. The soon-to-be painted tree

of things you might not usually consider in your

branches or the rope course for the neighborhood

backyard decor, it’s as neat as a pin.

squirrels.

It’s all about color and reusing resources.

“We use dead fruit trees as trellises for climbing

Mary is nocturnal, and finds the garden quieter and more peaceful as night falls.

“My yard is an escape for me. We have no

vegetables, clothesline poles for wind chimes,

covenants in this neighborhood,” she says. “I’m not

headboards for trellises, iron bed frames to hold

going to get yelled at because of something I consider

firewood, radiators for fun, old bath tubs for plant

an art sculpture. I really like that. I couldn’t do this

containers, wash tubs for vegetables,” she says.

in west Omaha.”

Mary has lived in the family home south of

HER HAPPY PLACE

Welcome to Mary Robbins’ gardens. She’s lived in the house for more than 60 years.

BOTTLES

A wall of bottles adds color and diffuses the view of apartments next door.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 omaha.com/inspiredliving

35

“I just

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

It’s been kind of a group

absolutely love

project. Bartenders and merchants saved bottles and dropped them off on Mary’s porch. A&R Salvage and Recycling and Joe’s Collectibles in the Old Market know of her passion for steel. She has items from the old Falstaff Brewery,

them all,” she says.

“Some bloom early in the spring, some in the fall, some all summer long. I like to mix all the colors and heights.”

Squirrels are a fixture. Ever since

Omaha bridges and the car wash at 24th

she was little (she’s the youngest of

and St. Mary’s.

seven), her family fed them peanuts. The

Mary can’t pick a favorite flower, though

squirrels’ antics and the birds outside the

an old bathtub filled with colorful moss

kitchen window keep Mary and her cat

roses stands out. If forced to choose, she

entertained in the winter months when

says butterfly bushes are fun because of

gardening isn’t possible.

the pollinators they attract.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

36

JULY/AUGUST 2021

TUB

Color fills Mary’s backyard, including this bathtub full of moss roses.

EXTERIOR

Friends know to expect something different when they see Mary’s front porch.

KITTY

The backyard is also home to cat Boo. The bathtub is a favorite lounging spot.

omaha.com/inspiredliving

37

BEAT THE HEAT

The backyard includes a vegetable garden and a pool to cool off in during Nebraska’s hot summer days.

SQUIRRELS

The family has been feeding squirrels peanuts for years. Their antics keep the homeowner entertained.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

She raised her daughters here but there were always many other kids in and out of the house. She loves the contributions from everyone in the family through the years, and especially the history of the neighborhood.

“There were the Paladinos, the Constantinos, the Ananias, the Anzaldos, the DeMarias and the Bonaccis and our Polish family,” she says. “We had the best security system ever with the Italian ladies on the block. You couldn’t get a block down the street. We had the greatest neighborhood watch ever when I was a kid.”

38

JULY/AUGUST 2021

BOTTLE TREE

Local business owners helped Mary collect clear and colored bottles for this sculpture. omaha.com/inspiredliving

39

CHRIS CHRISTEN

SPEAKING OF PLANTS

Bee ’n’ bee E Pollinators get their own ‘hotel’

BEE HOTEL

The wire outside of this bee hotel, made by Lenli Corbett, provides additional protection for its residents.

GR

ntomologist Jody Green talks about solitary

hollow, and pithy stems of spent plants are the perfect

bees the way others might talk about a

home for a solitary bee. Toss those out and you could be

puppy or kitten.

tossing out bee eggs, larvae and pupae.

“They are absolutely adorable,” she says.

“They are so cute.”

Be careful about using pesticides while bees are

foraging, or better yet, don’t use broad spectrum

While the plight of honey bees has

chemicals at all.

been in the spotlight for several years,

If you want to go a step further, give

90% of the 4,000 species of bees in North

nature a boost by providing an artificial

America are solitary bees. They don’t

home for Green’s solitary favorites.

have a central hive or a nest buzzing with

They’re called bee hotels.

worker bees.

Many hardware stores sell them or

It’s estimated that 70% of the solitary

you can create your own. I was lucky that

bees nest in the ground and 30% in

my brother, John, built one for all of his

tunnels or cavities.

sisters. My neighbor, Lenli Corbett, also

Just as you’d do to help any pollinator, you can add native plant species to your garden to provide food for those bees. But

MARJIE DUCEY

SPEAKING OF PLANTS

instead of mulching every bed that you

crafted one for me.

Green’s favorite instructions come from the Nebraska Extension where she works. They even come with a red “N” to

create, leave some areas of bare soil to give bees places

affix to the center. That information can be found at

to nest underground.

extensionpublications.unl.edu.

Let your garden be a little messy, too. Those dry,

40

J

Y OD

JULY/AUGUST 2021

She’s thrilled that Eagle Scouts and garden clubs,

EE

N

HIGH-RISE

JODY GREEN

John Ducey’s bee hotel, a gift to his sister.

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

In this style of bee hotel, it’s important to replace the wood blocks and paper straws or reeds every few years. among others, have placed bee hotels across Omaha.

There are considerations if you’re buying a bee hotel. The depths of the tunnels are crucial based on the diameter of the holes.

Holes can be a variety of sizes; those one-fourth-inch in diameter should be 5 to 6 inches deep.

Solitary bees, like the leafcutter bee, lay the eggs of female offspring further back in the tunnels to protect the species’ survival, which is why the depth of the tunnel matters. The cells with the males are at the front because those bees come out first.

Make sure to keep the hotel clean, replacing the wooden blocks, paper straws or reeds every few years.

“It’s kind of like a hospital or honeybee hive,” Green says “Where you have high density, there is potential to have a pathogen disease.”

Green’s background is in urban pests like cockroaches, termites and bed bugs and how to manage them.

But solitary bees are her passion. She loves how the leafcutter bee cuts circles out of broadleaf plants to make nests and cells for storing pollen. Mason bees use Lamb’s-ear.

“They are so unique and so diverse,” she says. “They are just fantastic organisms.

They make the world a beautiful place.”

CHRIS CHRISTEN

mud while others use wool or fuzz from

omaha.com/inspiredliving

41

42

JULY/AUGUST 2021

RECIPE

Aloha from Hawaii!

For adventuresome island-style fare, Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl is better than OK

P

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY

KILEY CRUSE

oke bowls may be trending on the U.S. mainland, but Hawaiians have been enjoying this colorful, flavorful dish for more than a century.

Poke means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian language. A traditional poke bowl consists of cold cubes of raw, marinated fish — usually sushi-grade tuna — served over warm rice

topped with vegetables and umami-packed sauces. The juxtaposition of warm and cold makes the dish delightful.

A poke (pronounced poh-KAY, rhymes with OK) bowl can be made with many different types of fish or even vegan proteins. While tuna is the most common, salmon is also a great option. And if raw fish isn’t your thing, shrimp, cooked crab and tofu are perfect substitutions.

Beyond that, use the recipe here as a base and adapt to your personal preferences. Other common mainland toppings include mango, pineapple, pickled ginger, bean sprouts, macadamia nuts, shiitake mushrooms, red onions and crushed wasabi peas for heat.

SPICY TUNA POKE BOWLS SERVES 2

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TUNA ½ pound sushi grade tuna, cut into ½-inch cubes ¼ cup sliced scallions 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari 1 teaspoon sesame oil ½ teaspoon sriracha FOR THE SPICY MAYO 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce

FOR THE BOWL 1-1½ cups cooked jasmine rice ¾ cup cucumbers, ½-inch cubes ½ medium avocado, sliced ½ cup shredded carrots Thinly sliced radishes ½ cup shelled edamame 2 scallions, sliced for garnish 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds Reduced sodium soy or gluten-free tamari, for serving (optional) Sriracha, for serving (optional)

1. In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise and sriracha, thin with a little water to drizzle. 2. In a medium bowl, combine tuna with scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil and sriracha. Gently toss to combine and refrigerate while you prepare the bowls. 3. In two bowls, layer ½ of each ingredient: rice, cucumber, carrots, edamame, radishes and avocado. Top with ½ the tuna. Garnish with scallions. 4. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sesame seeds and serve with extra soy sauce on the side, if desired. Adapted from skinnytaste.com

omaha.com/inspiredliving

43

LUXURY HOMES

19257 Ruggles Circle $559,950 New walk-out 2-story home on a cul-de-sac in Indian Creek Landings. Impressive sweeping south views from the living areas, covered deck and primary bedroom. The open great room & kitchen features hand scraped wood floors, designer light fixtures, custom kitchen cabinets, granite island counter top w/ stainless steel appliances w/ gas range. Office space, mud room, walk-in pantry & powder room on main level. Four bedrooms & laundry on second level.

Primary bedroom has a huge walk-in closet & en-suite bathroom with double sinks & massive shower space.

3 garage spaces. Photos of finished interior spaces are from similar homes.

Denton – Erickson Group 402-917-3227

6720 Davenport Street $1,999,999

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

LocaL. UniqUe. originaL.

From exterior to interior, the lure of this property’s rich history and impeccable beauty make it extraordinarily enchanting from the start. Built in 1930 as the original farmhouse of Fairacres, this quintessential four-bedroom and six-bathroom home has elegantly transformed with two additions, while still holding tight to its charming past.

Sitting on a 1.24 acre lot, this 6,500 square foot home features a winding driveway, updated kitchen, a luxury master suite and bath, and expansive yards with flawlessly crafted landscape.

Fine Art, Custom Glass, Bronzes & Jewelry

Michael Maley 402-981-7400

17909 N Reflection Circle $1,875,000

2610 N. Main St. Elkhorn, NE 68022 402.452.3088 mainstreetstudios2610.com 44

JULY/AUGUST 2021

Wake up in this stunning château plucked from the French Riviera, look out on the water & pinch yourself-you’re not dreaming.

A masterpiece of craftsmanship, this architecturally-designed 1.5 story home w/walkout bsmt built w/handmade oversized brick exudes old world Mediterranean charm. 3 wood burning/gas fireplaces on main level & a gas-only fireplace on the LL, wine cellar, billiards rm w/bar, theater, exercise rm (or 6th legal bedrm), guest suite w/full bath, 3/4 bath w/steam shower.

Kari McCoy & Amy Schinco Kari: 402-689-6693 Amy: 402-871-5767

DESTINATION

Glamping on steroids

C

At Kimberly Creek Retreat, the cabins are the destination STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN

PHOTOGRAPHY KURT A. KEELER AND CHRIS CHRISTEN

hris Petersen had a successful consulting career and was happily approaching retirement.

“The traditional thing is

to sell your house in the country and move to town when you retire,” Petersen says. But he did just the opposite.

In 2018, Peterson met Mike Kennedy and the two launched into creating a private nature sanctuary with luxury glamping cabins on 22 wooded

Chris Petersen

acres between Omaha and Lincoln.

“This is a story of true bootstrap entrepreneurism between two partners who shared a vision,” Petersen says.

When completed, Kimberly Creek Retreat will have 10 to 12 glamping cabins and geodesic domes with all the comforts of home to encourage guests to stay, unplug and connect with nature.

Petersen and Kennedy are more than halfway there with eight units available for rental.

Every unit has its own propane grill and fire pit that lights with the flick of a switch.

base camp for exploring the attractions

hot on the trail of treasure on a recent

“Almost everyone will have a fire going at

at Interstate 80 Exit 426. Those include

Saturday afternoon. They had come for a

night, even in July,” Petersen says.

Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River State

one-night stay in the Dream Queen Dome

Parks, Wildlife Safari Park, Strategic Air

to celebrate the end of the school year.

It’s first-class glamping right down to a private indoor toilet and shower and fully

Command and Aerospace Museum, Quarry

Heather and Bob Batt of Omaha were

equipped kitchenette in each unit.

Oaks Golf Course and main street Ashland.

first-time guests celebrating their wedding

“Guests aren’t suffering here,” Petersen says with a smile.

The father of three and granddad of

Reservations, says Petersen, are

visit planned — with several family

are by groups of women. “There have been

members.

five is keeping convenience top of mind as

more parties here than you can imagine.

cabins are furnished and accessorized.

And I don’t even want to know what

“Our goal is to make it easy for Mom,” he says.

Kimberly Creek Retreat seems to be attracting two primary types of guests: Nature lovers and those who want a

anniversary and already had their next

gangbusters. A high percentage of rentals

happens on ‘girls getaway’ weekends!”

For most guests, Petersen says, “The main attraction is peace and quiet.”

Darcie and Michael Venem and their children, Connor, 7, and Claire, 5½, were

“It’s peaceful,” Heather says. “I love the area for its trees.”

She needed a respite (after treating patients during COVID). Nature provided the remedy.

“This is a nice decompression.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46 omaha.com/inspiredliving

45

KING DOME GLAMPING AREA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

THE KING DOME

THE GLAMPING PODS

Kimberly Creek Retreat has a laid-back

check-in process by design.

“It doesn’t do any good to talk to guests in the first 15 minutes of their arrival,” Petersen says. “They’re too excited about what they’re seeing.”

Guests text when they arrive and have a chance to get settled before Petersen or Kennedy stops by to welcome them.

Here’s a rundown of the glamping cabins and domes, with all-inclusive average nightly rates.

• The King Dome has one king bed and

HOMESTEAD

a spiral staircase to a loft with two queen beds. A space-saving table and stackable chairs and a pair of upholstered chairs invite reading, board games and puzzles.

Rate: $280.

• The Dream Queen Dome next door has a 20-foot ceiling and a sleeping loft accessible by ladder. There also is a 7-by-20foot bay window with a view. Rate:$240.

• The Sundowner is an all-ages hit with its contemporary furnishings, white, gray and aqua color scheme and Route 66 theme.

The three-bedroom unit sleeps eight, has a jukebox and a back patio with hot tub and

46

JULY/AUGUST 2021

DREAM QUEEN DOME

SANCTUARY

SUNDOWNER

SANCTUARY

THE CRANNY

RANCH

firepit. Bring on the party (but keep the

young kids will think it’s cool. Ditto for the

noise down)! Rate: $495.

breakfast nook. Rate: $185.

• The Sanctuary sits in a clearing that

• The Ranch is cozy and rustic. Two

RANCH

• The Loft, coming in early September, is a two-level cabin with an accessible main floor, a loft with private bath, and an

shows off its contemporary design. The

queen beds, foot-to-foot, make good use of

outdoor hot tub. It will be around $245 a

open floor plan has a standard queen bed

the space. The wooden table in front of the

night.

with a double trundle and a Murphy bed

fireplace is an inviting place to play board

that snugs up against the wall. Guests with

games and cards. Rate: $255.

infants and toddlers will appreciate the floor space. Rate: $255.

• The Homestead, a prefabricated “little

• The Nook and The Cranny are aptly

GOOD TO KNOW

• Sleeping units are equipped with

named. These twin glamping pods are for

bedding and towels. Guests need to bring

guests who want to economize and intend to

their own toothbrush, food and beverages.

house” that sleeps four. It’s paneled in

spend most of their time outdoors. Each has

knotty pine and has a Minnesota cabin feel.

a double bed, toilet and shower, and coffee

days prior to arrival. You also can get

• Hobo foil meals can be reserved three

The loft sleeping is a bit tight for adults but

station. Rate: $135.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 omaha.com/inspiredliving

47

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47

The classics

s’more packs, egg bakes and muffin breakfasts delivered to your door by advance request.

Charges apply.

• No RV or tent camping is allowed due to zoning regulations.

• No WiFi service is available but cellular coverage is good.

• Use Google Maps to navigate here.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

• Nature-related activities

on 22 acres under cedar, ash,

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walnut and oak trees.

• The Grotto, campgrounds of the Pawnee Indians.

THE MARKET BASKET Make the Market Basket your destination for exceptional gourmet food! Join us Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Our delectable pastries, wonderful deli selections and ready-to-serve holiday meals will impress your family and friends. Call today to order!

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s m a l l b u s i n e s s d i r e c T o ry

Equipped with a fire ring, propane grill, tables, chairs, limestone slabs for seating and white twinkle lights. Live music and other family entertainment on occasion.

• Dynamite Pete’s Treasure Hunt. A map puts kids on the trail of four dynamite sticks and, ultimately, a prize.

• Pete’s Place, for guest registration and souvenirs.

Named for an actual hermit who once lived along the Platte River.

• Myrtle’s Path for hiking,

BEAU JOYAU

EHLY’S INTERIORS

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We do windows! We repair blinds! Family owned and operated for over 43 years.

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named for the gal Dynamite Pete wanted to marry but couldn’t because he didn’t have a proper house.

• Bird-watching and wildlife photography. The area has coyotes, deer and turkey, plus other woodland creatures and migrating birds. “I enjoy that aspect of it,” says Petersen. A viewing blind accommodates four.

• Alien Encounter and a UFO Treasure Quest that involves a variation of geocaching. “Adults get into this one,” Petersen says.

48

JULY/AUGUST 2021

NEW LIFE THRIFT Find designer, vintage, antiques, clothing and furniture. Call for pickup of your estate sale leftovers. Ranked Best Thrift Store in Nebraska by BestThingsNE.com. Back by popular demand: Holiday Store (now open 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed.-Sat.) with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas merchandise.

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Advertise with us!

List your small business on the inspired Living Omaha directory page. space includes a square photo or logo, 35 words and contact information.

COntACt us tO LeArn mOre 402-444-1425 bsneAd@Owh.COm

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To get full pricing details, see your dealer. © 2021 Maserati North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati urges you to obey all speed limits.