Twenty-five-year-old Fred Wilson, eager for adventure, was sure to find it by following the national decree - "Go west, young man. Go west." His dream? To own a ranch and be a cowboy. "Hello, Abilene, Kansas." There had to be plenty of excitement there, the destination of many Texas cattle drives along the Chisholm Trail. His Kansas Adventure began on January 18, 1901. Fred and his younger brother Randall rented a 1,000-acre ranch along the Smoky Hill River southwest of Abilene, Kansas, from Mr. Hoover. Yes! Adventure aplenty - new friends, doing their own housekeeping, running a ranch, dealing with smallpox and influenza, adjusting to snow, rain and drought. Join Rebecca, Fred's granddaughter, as she shares his journey via the letters he sent and received that year. Along the way, stop off at Hickory Point Farm with her to learn more about life on a farm about fifty years later. Allow the Time Capsule Connections to establish stronger visualizations and deepen your understanding of the settings. Let the themes soak into your heart - family, friendship, and growth of love. Stop to reflect on and appreciate the gifts of history and heritage.

In retirement, Rebecca Kordatzky is doing penance to her former eighthgrade students for burdening them with 'thousands' of writing assignments in English class. Contrary to their hopes and expectations, she is enjoying it, almost as much as she treasures memories of being with them. Reading, quilting, gardening and time with family and friends also fill her time. She and her husband, John, live in Milton, Wisconsin, with their parakeets, Chitter and Chatter. Their family includes three marvelous children, their amazing spouses, and seven brilliant grandchildren.