Blue Skies Darkened

In Beaufort, SC, today... at an airshow I've attended many a time... the Blue Angels lost an aircraft. And more importantly, the pilot as well.

For those who fly, and especially those who perform in the business, they know that what the Blue Angels (and others, too, like the Thunderbirds) make look so easy and effortless, is in fact, a dangerous business.

What they do in their acts are no different than the skills used by the pilots in our military everyday.

And yet, accidents do happen. I suspect that whatever happened, most likely a failure in the aircraft, happened so quickly that there was little time to react and save himself, or he sacrificed himself to try to steer the crash away from a crowded area of spectators (if true, he is a hero).

Either way, today a family lost one of their own... and thousands of people who came to be awed by professionals performing feats of flying seemingly incredible were instead given a hard lesson that nothing is flawless all the time. Things go wrong, and tragedy can touch at any time.

I was shocked by this... as I spent the day at the home of the Blue Angels. Never suspecting that today, one wasn't coming home.

Rest in peace, Sir.





(Edit: There's a very moving, and wonderful tribute here.)

Looks Like Fun

Have you seen the new Kia Spectra commercial? The one where they are doing musical chairs, but with cars in a parking lot? It looks like fun. Of course, I would rather do it with a not-so-nice car, just in case someone really wants the spot we're fighting for.

So, anyone want to get together in a parking lot???

Feeling Brain Dead?

Well, my lil' mind is feeling all slushy, so... I think I'll watch a perfect movie. TVLand is showing Weekend at Bernie's.

Ok, first, let's make everyone feel old. The film is 18 years old!

Wow.

I swear I felt a grey hair pop out just typing that.

Since that movie won't require more than two brain cells (one cell holds the stick poking the other one awake)... should be good.

Just Doing Our Job

With many of my Soldiers' Angels, and other wonderful supporters, I have been called a Hero, like many of my fellow Soldiers.

And I've tried to be polite, say "Thank You", and move along. Some though have picked up on the discomfort that often comes with being called "Hero", and asked. My response has been that we're just doing our jobs... and we're proud to do it. Surely, others would do the same in our position.

I've just come across a post over at Tanker Brothers that helps explain it very well. Please take a look... here.

And to all who support us... Thank YOU.

As for whom I call Hero:

She faced cancer and death with more courage and determination than many people I've ever known... combined. I can only hope to live up to her example. Ellicia, you ARE a Hero.

Easter Baskets

What the Easter Bunny left at our house...

Easter Outfits

It's Easter, and that means... Easter Outfits!

Getting both of them to smile at the same time was nigh impossible. (What you don't see are the nearly 30 pictures as I just kept taking pictures, rapid-fire, like a fashion model shoot.)

Please note how adorable they are... and Scanner. He decided not to dress up today.

Thank Goodness the Easter Bunny Has Fur!

It snowed today. 07 April. Tomorrow is Easter. (I can't resist - Beware! Global Warming! Global Warming!)




Ok, seriously... it was a winter wonderland upon awakening. We had planned on an early morning Easter Egg hut, but I felt sure that those were called off.

So, what does one do when you have little kids and there's suprise snow outside?

You go play!





There wasn't a tremendous amount of snow... maybe 1-2", but when your hands are small, it's plenty.





T, M, and I had a great time tossing the snow around. T really enjoyed stomping it flat. He absolutely delighted in it. Big smile. And M was positively squealing in pleasure. (Yes, the grass is starting to show... snow started to melt quickly.)

And, if you have snow, you MUST have a snowman. So, here we go!

AirShows 2007

The Airshow.

There are few things that I find that rival the sheer excitement and joy of being at an airshow.

I am a confessed junkie.

And I haven't even yet attended some of the big ones (Nellis, Edwards, for a start).

However, you'll find these at airports, Naval Air Stations, and Air Force Bases around the country. (For international folks, there are plenty around the world, as well, however my information is limited to the United States. But, the Farnborough, Paris, Berlin, and Dubai airshows are top-notch.)

Most people can associate one of only two teams with an airshow - the world class, above the best, superb United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy's group called... um... Blue Angels.

However, it should be noted that they are not the only ones. If you're lucky, you may come across the Snowbirds, Canada's contribution. There are the private acts, like Patty Wagstaff. She's an acrobatic flier and what she makes an airplane do is stunning (and speaking of stunning... men, first you get to watch an amazing acrobatic act, and then out of the cockpit steps a stunning pilot!)

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Golden Knights. The US Army demonstrates parachute precision. Usually, these folks will open an airshow by presenting the colors - via parachute.

Maybe you'll have an opportunity to see Sky Soldiers, a helicopter demonstration team.

Don't like airplanes? Well, I'm surprised you've read this far. And I'll reserve my other comments about you, too. But, there's something for you at an airshow. Check out Shockwave. What's Shockwave? Shockwave, my friends, is a big rig truck... powered by a jet engine. Ever seen a truck do 300 mph?

So, find your closest airshow. Need a reference? You can click here for a full schedule.

Go, take the kids, and have fun. It'll be an experience you'll enjoy.

Milk Run

I'd like to encourage you to take a peek at an article that has appeared in one of my favorite magazines, Air & Space Smithsonian.

This article is instructive in one of life's basic truths - listen to the voice in your head and never feel rushed when you know something's not right. However, it's done in a very enjoyable way.

So, please, take a peek over here.

Even if you have no idea what aisle of the hardware store has the rotor wash, you'll still enjoy this article.

Happy Sobbing

Recently watched the House episode - "Fetal Position". If you don't watch House, well you're missing some good TV. E&I loved it. I'm happy I'm able to start watching it again.

Anyway, first off, this episode had Anne Ramsay guest starred. I've watched her in quite a few pieces, but I have truly fallen for her (as a fan, sheesh) in Mad About You. Now, there's a fine, fine TV show. Can't get enough of it... nor Helen Hunt. Thumpa-thumpa... wow, she is quite the actress... and not a day's gone by that I wouldn't have loved to be Paul Buchman... or Paul Reiser!

Annnnyway.

This episode was just another delightful House episode, but there's a part where Dr. House, who's steadfastly refused to call an in utero baby anything but "fetus", is doing surgery on the baby in the womb. And those little fingers reach out and grasp Dr. House's hand. (No doubt, it was inspired by this image from a doctor performing surgery on a 21-week baby...)

Tears started flowing.

Just touched me. I can remember melting into puddles each time I'd see my children wiggling on an ultrasound. See, I know there's life in there. Can't see the ultrasound, or have a baby respond to you, and not. E&I, for instance, discovered that Thomas had quite a thing for Gregorian Chants while he was still in the womb. (We were in Paris, in Notre Dame cathedral, and there was a choir in the cathedral singing Gregorian Chants - an awe-inspiring experience, I tell you. Magical, actually... and T was enthralled. Ellicia liked it, too, if you must know. :) )

Dr. House's "conversion" is nice, of course... as he now refers to the baby as "baby". And, there is a nice scene at the end where we see the mother holding her baby.

Very touching.

Think I'll watch again.

Can't Get Enough of That Army Strong

The music of it really strikes a chord (no pun intended) with me. Forget the ad messages, or narration... I can just listen to that music. It's SO motivating.

Wow.

A Butterfly

A friend... Debey (Gold Star Mom), sent this to me.


Thank you

This helps.

And for those of you who are really close to the nest... you'll see why.

Please, take a look... and if you happen to be someone who's also grieving a loss, I urge you to... when you're ready.

Click Here