Need to get away from it all for a few minutes??? take a look at this

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This one is for all my friends that are stuck inside on this pretty day. We call this cloud formation-----Cloud streets. The object of hang gliding is to beat mother nature gravity, and some of us like to go as far as we can. We thermal up to the bottom of the clouds, then head downwind to the next cloud/thermal. I think the world record distance for one flight is 465 miles. In one flight, in one day. Think this day would have been at least 100. Know it would have been if David Giles was flying ! Gentle breezes.

There was something missing from this junk yard, the dog. Of course, I didnt get out of the car !

I was surprised there was no chickens in the yard.

This cloud looked like it was walking as it passed over head. Kind of spooky, in an inviting way, haha

This one has alllll kinds of funny comments that could go with it. Will just leave them up to your own imagination, hehe

Have you ever wondered what it looks like where you call 911??? well, wonder No more. This is what a 911 operation center looks like, or PSAP. I only call the 911 operators approx. 150 calls a week. I made a test call, and I was outside of East Chatham county EMTs, and I spoke to one of the guys and explained what I was doing, and he said,"see that building?", while pointing across the street--about 100 feet away, thats where you're calling. So, I walked over and introduced myself. I learned alot, and I shared with them what we do. Met Janet, the shift supervisor and she thanked me for sharing what we did out in the field. So, both sides understand the process a lot better now, and made some new friends.

My bosses husband, Alain, has made a request to her that every flyable day that comes around, to make sure that we are on the road working somewhere. He has a great job, works inside, in a little cube year round. He beats the heat in the summer, the cold in the winter. However-----he is also a hang glider pilot like I am. Sooo, on those days that the wind is blowing NW 10-15, partly cloudly(big cummies) and I am out working, I thought it would be NICE to share the day with him, hehe. Hope he feels my,mmmm, joy. Yeah that's it! haha. Thought I would add a little salt to it, and send a pic of a guy on the 18th green that just made a BIRDIE. What are friends for, haha! Have a great day.

Saw a great little waterfall today while I was finishing up here in Burlington, NC. Theres a canon, lighthouse, and American flag that just topped it off.

This small community here in North Carolina ( about 400), had a local boy leave to go in the service and over the pond to fight for our freedom like oh too many of our young people. When they learned that he did his tour, and was coming home, they all pitched in and put up this statue for him to come home to. To honor him for what he did for us. Another brother of mine( Dub), has 3 sons that has, or is, doing their part for us also. It isnt the statue that matters, it is the love, respect, honor, and understanding that does. If you get a chance, tell a Veteran that you care. Only takes a minute. And tell their Mom & Dad too. Hey Dub & Cindy,,, thanks Bro!

This is a post is going to be hard for me to do. I have been putting it off for over a week now.
I put this song on here this time, Live Like you are Dying, for a very special person. His name is Paul Wilson. I have never had a big brother, however, he is as close as I will ever come to having one. He is a Veteran, teacher of many cops in hand to hand combat,photographer, horse trainer, a father, a husband, and a very dear friend to many, especially me.
He and his wife Carolyn ( which is a great as they come also), have been battling cancer for a long time. Seems like an eternity. At one point, they thought they had it all. However, the doctor told him a week or so ago, he is loosing the battle, and gives him less than a year to live. I dont believe the doctors, or dont want to, but I do believe in the power of prayer. There are No athesist in a fox hole! "And thats all I have to say about that", taken from the movie Forrest Gump, when he couldnt go on talking about something without blubbering.
Another friend of mine, Wilbur(Beenja), told me he was just told he may have prostrate cancer, and is going in for tests in the next day or so. He is a great guy also, and has had a lot of grief in his life with his wife being so sick.
SO, I'm asking that if you are a praying person, to please say one for them, their families, and for their Health. If you arent a praying person, it is okay, we will pray for you too! :^}
Gentle breezes, and thank you for taking the time to visit my blog! Ray

And the last one of the walls.
I'm in Burlington, North Carolina for this week testing 25 towers. It could be 2 days, or 5 days. Its all according to if they are phase two ready, or the tecs have to do massive amounts of trouble shooting or not. Keeping my fingers crossed for 4 days. So I can at least get back in time for a lesson and a dance on friday.

The back side of the first one.

Had a request to see the other walls from Baton Rouge. So, here they are.

What a time to take a Tandem ride. An Evening glass off, on a chilly spring day. I just love my front yard ! Very glad I dont have to mow it, haha

The Birthday Girl--- Kay. She turned 90 today. Sharp as a tack, and as lovely as the roses on the tables ! Hope many more to come.

We had Prime Rib, honey basted ham, and the fixings. All catered by Bruce and Tosh. The price of this meal-----A Birthday Card for Tosh's Mom.

Even had karaoke singing going on.

Kay telling a joke.

The table was set nicely for the catered meal. The live roses was a GREAT touch. Dont know which smelled better, the roses or the food?!

Tosh, the birthday girls daughter, reading a poem that she wrote for her Mom. Very touching moment for all.

Finally the clouds broke today. Freeze warnings for tonight. I thought this was suppose to springtime??? oh well, soon I hope. I have one more day off, then heading to another town in North Carolina. I actually got to go dancing tonight. Was starting to lose part of what I had learned. Great class tonight, lots of people !

I know, I know. Two Celin Dion videos back to back. Well, if a song moves your feet, and your spirit at the same time, why not. If you cant dance to this one, take classes. If you cant feel the rhytm of the music, take some geritol and Crank it up ! haha

I spent some time on Duke University today. Its amazing the contrast between LSU and Duke universitys. I will have to research this one to find out the story about it. I can't even imagine what it represents. I do have a few funny thoughts, but I wouldnt want to offend anyone if this is indeed a serious piece of work. More later.

This buzzard thought it was an eagle on a flag pole, haha. There are lots of them around cell towers all over the country.

Just watched "Titantic" again this evening. I dont normally like watching Chic flicks, especially while Im alone in a hotel in Durham, North Carolina. However, this movie has special meaning to me. It is amazing how strong love is at times. One look, one touch, one kiss--how it can last a life time in our memories. Love knows no boundaries, and has no meaning in time. I normally dont walk down memory lane like this, however it must be a full moon or something. Thats my story, and IM stilling to it.

Getting the feel for the harness that she is wearing. Its safer in the glider than in this guys hands, haha!

Here they come into land. They land on wheels. Makes the landing really easy on the passenger, and no stress during touch down. There have been 90 year old guys that have done this, and wanted to go right back up after they land.

Rex is taking a young lady on what we call a " discovery Flight", so that she can experience hang gliding first hand. Think her smile is big in this picture??? you should have seen it after she landed, lol

This is my neighbor, John watching others towing up today. Good look at his flexwing glider.

This is a buddy of mine, Don that is coming in to land. You can see a flex & rigid wing above him soaring.

This is a picture from today with 5 different types of wings associated with hang gliding. The one in the front is the type of wing called a Flex wing. It is a double surface sail type glider. The two past that, are called Rigid wings. They are composite wings as hard as a board. The third one back, is Ollie's glider called " the mother ship". It is the best wing on the market. And he is just the right pilot to fly it. He cant be beat around here for getting high! The fourth one back is the tandem glider, which carries two people. Students, and just people that want to experience hang gliding take flights on that one. Then the yellow one, is the Moyes Dragonfly, which is the tug that pulls us up to heights.

Blogspot is working on the system. Mine, along with others, have been down and unable to view. It may have told you that you are unauthorized to view. Everyone can view my blog, it requires NO password. I dont have any material on it that I would be ashamed for my Dad to see, or anyone else for that matter. They assure me/us that the problem is being worked on, and will be fix as soon as possible. Gentle waves & breezes----Ray

I got these pictures in an email from a friend of mine, and thought they were worth sharing. Plus, I'm at home and nothing much going on around here right now. Its just before the hang gliding season, however it is just around the corner. There is the ballroom dancing lessons at night though. Since the new series on tv,"Dancing with the Stars", a lot of people are really getting into this activity. Lot of great folks there from 17 years old to ??? It's great excercise, socializing, and just clean funn. Maybe I will take some pics from there and post them for you to see. Gentle waves & breezes.

What a cool ride huh?! haha very little joke.

Rome wasnt built in a day. Neither was this, I would imagine. Makes you wonder, just how many hours/days that it did take.

Just incredible artwork!

Dont faint or anything, but I have some time off from the road. Will be posting more later.

This was a very intense sunset ! I sat and watched it from beginning to end. It was a spectular show ! ! ! !

These where taken just before leaving Baton Rouge, Louisianna. Great Clouds.

See where this cell tower is located. I had a really tough decision to make while taken this one. Do I work or do I???..........since my bosses read this I think I will take the 5th on answering. hehe I worked, of course.

Kewl art work here!!There was a back side to this, and four other wall at the USS Kidd park. You can see part of it in the back ground. If you've seen one destroyer,,,,haha

The Port of Greater Baton Rouge after a storm.

I salute all the service men, and women that served overseas in all the different wars to protect our freedom. I hope none of us forget what we have, or what the alternative would be without them. If you have time research the name" John Archer Lejeune" Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps, Semper Fi !

Christopher Columbus sailed the oceans blue, and had a statue done.

The steamboat of Casino Rouge, where people go to win lots of money----NOT.

This lady was dressed in a statue of liberty outfit, advertising her husbands tax service. Temps were in the 80's, and about 70% humidity. I just wonder what he promised her to get her to do that??!!! lol

Another great sunset on the way back to Baton Rouge. Heard this song by the GooGoo dolls at the same time that I took this picture. It really has a great message to it. Turn the sound up, and enjoy it, and give it some thought.

This was one of those days that it was just too darn pretty OUTside, to be stuck INside. Thankfully, Im not a friend of mine Chuck(which is one of the coordinators of the company I work for), because he was stuck in front of a puter while I took this one. Told him I would put one on here for him that would SMack him----think I did it!!

Did you ever see "The Jungle Book"? The original? The beatnik vultures??? guess that was before your time, haha

""Hey, isnt it that the little doggie that was talking trash while I was trying to take a nap??"

So much for "being put out to pasture"!
Actually, this is Mike the 1st.

The King of snooze !

""if you werent behind those fences, I would....."