9 Oct., 2010 -- Fly-in and Open House

Tried to get this posted on Sunday... 10 10 10 -- I'm four minutes late getting started!
Saturday, at Willow Springs, our Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1218 held its fifth annual Open House and Fly-in. An honor guard made a 21 gun salute and the red white and blue balloon release started the day off. Thirty or more airplanes and two helicopters flew in during the day to help honor our American veterans.




Clint made a dead stick landing after his aerobatic show. He does that on purpose.
Later in the day, he took me up for some aerials of the airplanes on the ground. No upside-downies or engine outs, just straight and level.




Booths were set up with tvs and videos showing Chapter projects; Wright Flyer replica, Young Eagles and building the Pietenpol airplane (the green and white airplane sitting in front of the hangar). I got a hat "Chicks Fly" for being the only active female pilot at the fly-in.

Then, when it was all over, Ron and Mike strapped me in for my first Stearman ride. Mike took me around the patch and over the Ozarks for some open cockpit aerials. I think I want to be a wing walker! Well, maybe not. But it is a wonderful ride, just like all the novels and movies!

2 Oct., 2010 -- Oz Fest in Willow Springs

Our Flight Simulator was a big hit at Oz Fest in Willow Springs on Saturday.
The Witchie Woman rode out some 18 mph gusts, but managed to keep flying.

Phyllis was the first one of the day to get painted by my friend Gail. Gail decorated forty kids!

The little kids didn't seem to ham it up in the costume contest. But, ahem, as a judge, I really liked this tin man with his ductwork arms, even if he was scared stiff up on stage!

How long has it been since you've seen hula hoops?

Dancing all day... all ages!



Ice cream eating contest, no hands allowed.

My friend Renee; we worked together way back when at the newspaper in Mtn. Grove. She's now the driver examiner for the Highway Patrol, and man is she impressive in uniform! And yes, she's a natural blond, but not one you'd make jokes about!

This guy was preparing a cross-cut saw for a contest.

Good ole American down home celebration for everybody.

26 Sept., 2010 -- Wicked. Just wicked. It's 60 degrees today!

Wicked, first taste of autumn! 50 degrees tonight, wind gusting to 15.
Brought my OzFest project indoors today, finished her up.
Yesterday, neighbor Whitney squeezed through the fence to help.


Today, I made a mask from a computer screen image, added some more duct tape and spray adhesive and paint and marker and she's done. She will sit on top of our flight simulator at OzFest on Saturday in Willow Springs. "Fly a plane, not a broom!"

17, 18, 19 Sept., 2010 -- Donut Day and other stuff

Grandparents Donut Day was last Thursday,
at Cam's grade school in Jeff City. Grant and I
toured Cam's classroom and checked his paperwork.



Friday evening, Samantha's art club entered the JazzFest sidewalk art contest.


Le-artiste Sammie-J designed the lettering for their sidewalk design.


Of course, the project degenerated into "whoops, sorry... well, here! You need some more color!"


Nice lightning storm, probably washed away the chalk art.


Saturday we cleaned the pool. Well, as clean as it can be
with critters in it.

Speaking of critters: Samantha found this guy in the bushes, devouring a walking stick. Yum. Then Grant found the lady in the grass carrying all of her babies in one load. Sam also spotted a pretty web near the ducks' den.


In more normal activities, Grant, Dev and I took a walking
tour at Rocheport; antiques, crafts and art and wine tasting.


Sunday afternoon we played Lazer Tag under black light at Osage Beach. Now, that was really a vigorous workout. Naturally, later we had to eat, and celebrate Kelly's 19th birthday, and Chuck's 50something.