Catching You Up on my news since the last post. I have been busy with life and I haven’t been blogging much. That may change as I have more time, and you’ll see why in the next post.
We launched a major update of our home on the C&D canal, which has absolutely dominated the scene is our house. After my wonderful father in-law and then mother in-law both passed away relatively recently, it was time to update a significant portion of our house. In order for that to happen, I had to move the Harley to my hangar and get into the habit of moving the cars around every morning to make a work space. That part has been mildly painful.
Airshow Incident: Back on Jun 19th of this year, I had the pleasure of attending the Ocean City Airshow. After the second day of the airshow, after having had a number of beverages during the day, I decided to go in the water for a quick swim. I waded in to find the surf to be very rough and the sand to be on a considerable incline down to the waves. Ok – maybe I should try this tomorrow morning when it might be more fun. I turned around to rejoin my wife on the beach and find something else to do.
Just as I turned I was hit from behind by an aggressive wave. Attempting to recover my balance, I stepped in a 2 foot deep hole with my left leg fully extended and the wave pushing me down. The weight of the water and my forward momentum fractured my left tibia. That didn’t feel very good – although the Grey Goose prep work I’d done did help for awhile.
Vacation Interruptus: We had a planned flying vacation to Florida; to both coasts and the Keys. That had to change to accommodate driving instead of flying. Now I am generally adverse to staying in other peoples homes when we travel, being concerned that we’ll impose on them without realizing it. I tend to find a hotel to stay in to ensure that doesn’t happen, but in this case, was convinced to do otherwise. We were met with open arms on both coasts and suddenly spending time and staying with good friends looked like great opportunities to explore.
We had a blast visiting with Charles and Kathy on the Gulf Coast of Florida, and then Ed and Simone on the Inter-coastal Waterway in North Carolina.
Charles and Kathy invited us to stay, but the timing didn’t work out for us this trip. They made us very comfortable while we were there for the day, however, and insisted we stay with them the next time. Eddie and Simone were similarly accommodating on our trip home. While we had planned to stop for just a meal with them, since we hadn’t seen them in so long, they convinced us to start home early on Friday and stay the weekend. Ed even set up a fishing trip off the NC coast for me that Saturday that was an awesome surprise! I am incredibly lucky to have such friends. Bev relaxed at their beautiful home with Simone for the day. We had a great time, and look forward to flying down to see them the next time as well. Both of these couples have beautiful homes and are all set up for their retirement. That got me thinking…..
The trip to Florida was a great success and I’m glad Bev and I got away. We returned to see some progress in the construction at home, but there was still a ways to go on the project.
July 30, 2021 – Special Programs in Dallas: I was able to start flying again at the end of August, and the first trip was back to Dallas. The leg was still sore, but I could apply full rudder pressure as necessary. The airplane flew flawlessly, and it was good to get moving again. An additional plus was being away from the construction as home for a few more days. I love getting the WOW factor when I come back and see progress.
August Play Time: Bev and I are so very blessed. We were invited out on a boat for the day with some very good friends early in the month. That led us to several places throughout today, ending up at a Rum Bar in Chesapeake City South. I cannot tell you how relaxing that day was. Following that, we had a wonder beach party with 10 or so couples we see just a few times a year.
Still – with all those captured opportunities, there were others that Bev and I had to forego because I’m working. These events would enable us to stay in touch with a wide net of friends we both value, and enjoy the successes we’ve earned. I’m getting frustrated saying no too often (mostly in the summer).
August here in Chesapeake City is almost over at this point. It has been wet, hot, and muggy. My work schedule continues to frustrate me with its unpredictability. The next blog will cover an important IFD550 experience on a flight I just completed, and a change in career direction for me.
Fly Safe!!
Frank