This little guy( which is wayy too cute to be Dan's son !), was having a great time at the party to decorate the Christmas tree, and eat leftovers from Thanksgiving. The tree was found, however, the ornaments weren't. So, we got the tree up, and was able to enjoy the dishes brought by everyone. Only half of the food was eaten Thursday night, so the feast continued.
At tonights get together, we were also able to say good bye to some friends. Catherin & Steve are heading back to "Canuck land",Canada. Hopefully, they won't stay gone long. The tandem program will miss him, of that I'm sure.

Jeff, shown with his nice lady, is also leaving us soon to follow his dream job to California. Some of his work will probably be on the Space shuttles. Hate to see a fellow birdwannabe move away.

I think Doris said, that there was about 40+people that came by. Almost everyone brought a dish. Some good groceries enjoyed by all.

I just love this time of the year.

My Grandmother left us a few years ago, however, still miss her. She was a very special lady. I still have alot of her hand painted china,etc... I think she would enjoy the small story below. She had a different kind of sense of humor. Guess that's why I loved her so much. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.

I was very pleasantly surprised when I got home, to find that the gas prices where I'm living is lower than anywhere that I've been. Another 50 cents, and it would almost be right. But, I'll take it for now.

Here's also a friendly reminder from Ricker "The Flying Chef" (just made that up :^})

Hey all,
I trust that everyone had a great Thanksgiving dinner and possibility the opportunity to do some flying this past week. This is a friendly reminder that everyone is invited to the Tennessee Tree Toppers Christmas Party celebration and dinner party.
Please don't forget to bring your desert and drinks. (At the very least bring a friend, a smile and an empty stomach) We will be eating, handing out awards and possibly watching videos of this years flying.
DONT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE SOME MORE GREAT MEMORIES
Happy Holidays!

Faithfully,
Ricker Goldsborough

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
My Aunt Sue was on a cruise this year with her sister, so that the "Kids" to fend for ourselves. As you can see below,,,Bob "fended" for himself in his usual,mm, great form. You would think that, by now, most people know that when I take a picture,, it's either for 3 reasons. #1. for the memories. #2. For a portrait,or someone that needs a picture of someone/something, or 3. To nail ya ! Gotcha Bob. Will teach you to pose for a picture for me again !

Bob's wife & my cousin, Shelia, out did herself this year by cooking the meal all by herself. Everything was excellent. Even the "Earthquake Cake". A small private joke there.

After an afternoon with family, it was time to get back to the Hang Gliding festivities. We always have holidays around here for people that don't have any family, or any that are local enough to see at that time, or people like me that just miss friends from the community during this slow flying part of the year. Hopefully, we will get some airtime soon together. Especially, since I leave the first part of the week, for 3 weeks worth of work in the Carolinas. The spread of food tonight was fit for a King. There was more dishes, and types of food than I could possibly name.

I heard there was approx. 40-50 that made it in tonight for some fellowship, and discussions of upcoming plans.

I have so much to be thankful this year, but I won't bore you with the huge list. However, a couple of the most important things on it has to be: that all my family members are still with me for another glorious year, my relationship with my Dad, and my Heavenly Father, my great lady Wendy, and my health(with a couple of exceptions).

I didn't have my docking station for my camera with me this week, while working around the Raleigh,NC area. I was hoping to have the work completed in 5 days, instead of 7. However, as we all know, nothing ever goes as we plan.
I took this shot one morning, while testing a tower not far away. I was working with a bunch of great dispatchers in the Chatham Co. 911 center. They really made my job easy, for about 12 hours. Great bunch of folks ! kudos !
I was stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour, east of Ashville, NC today while heading home.

I have been stuck in traffic in a lot worse places. Wish it would have been a couple of weeks ago while the fall colors were still vibrant ! Still, was a nice view.

Is the tree holding the rocks, or are the rocks holding the tree? This was taken from inside the jeep, looking straight up through the sunroof. I hadn't given rock slides much thought while driving thru this area, before this afternoon.

Like these chain-link retaining skirts would stop a rock slide. Tax dollars at work !

About another dollar should do it ! Hey, it could happen ! pftttt!

Jeff Nibler compiled a Youtube video from the Team Challenge, from alot of the different people that participated in it. Hope that you enjoy it. Email is below, with the link.

I put this together shortly after the TC but didn't upload it to Youtube until recently. It's nothing fancy but it takes me back. I took some of the videos and pics myself, and also used some media from others at the TC. I exchanged so many pics and videos that I have no idea what came from whom, but thanks to all who helped capture the moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82aUTAjn-hQ

This is old news for some of us, however, some others don't know anything about it. So, if your a non-veteran, and your at some function(parade or football game), and you see so people in everyday clothes saluting instead of placing their hand on their hearts,,don't panic. Those people are presently, or previously placed their lives in our Armed Forces hands to keep you and yours safe and sound.

10/31/2008 -
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October.
"The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation's armed forces," said Dr. James B. Peake, secretary of Veterans Affairs. "This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation's flag."
The new provision improves upon a little known change in federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, but it did not address salutes during the national anthem. Last year's provision also applied to servicemembers while not in uniform.
Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag while wearing their organization's official head-gear.
The most recent change, authorizing hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel, was sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, an Army veteran. It was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed Oct. 14.
The earlier provision authorizing hand-salutes for veterans and out-of-uniform servicemembers during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag, was contained in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which took effect Jan. 28, 2008. (Courtesy of VA News)

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123121980

This is a subject that I hold close to my heart !

This is something you will want to have and use !

I still remember when the telephone company charged [ still do ] to get a phone number from information !
My compliments to Google !
Just leave it up to Google to come up with something like this!!!

Here's a number worth putting in your cell phone, or your home phone speed dial: 1-800-goog411.

This is an awesome service from Google, and it's free -- great when you are on the road.
Don't waste your money on information calls and don't waste your time manually dialing the number. I am driving along in my car and I need to call the golf course and I don't know the number. I hit the speed dial for 1-800-goog411.

The voice at the other end says, 'City & State.' I say, 'Garland, Texas.' He says, 'Business, Name or Type of Service.' I say, Firewheel Golf Course.' He says, 'Connecting' and Firewheel answers the phone. How great is that? This is nationwide and it is absolutely free!

Click on the link below and watch the short clip for a quick demonstration.

www.google.com/goog411

Pass this on to friends and family!

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to
this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of
how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so
much would get.

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001
If you approve, please pass it on.

Ollie has been leading a group of hang glider pilot to do the karaoke singing on Friday nights. He has even come up with his own version of " Like a Virgin"-- It's call,,,Wills Wing Sport 2, with Tara singing. She has a great voice in this new arrangement. Lucas did a great job at mixing some great hang gliding video with the song. Check it out.

One week after the other picture of this same sign was taken. Maybe we will see it lower. I still think that it's bad when you think $1.95 is a great price for gas.

The next set of pics are taken of an area of Louisiana that I was working. Pretty state !

View from my hotel room window in Natchez, Mississippi. What a view!

Doris's new bear. A gift of appreciation.

An email from Doris, about the upcoming festivities, below.

Although the season is officially over, there are still lots of planned activities ahead, so mark your calendars:

Thursday, November 27th, Thanksgiving Dinner - This will be held at 5 PM, at the pavilion, everyone is welcome. Bring a side dish to compliment turkey and ham. There will be a sign-up sheet, at the shop, to give me an indication of what you are contributing.

Saturday, November 29th - Leftover Thanksgiving food will be served at the pavilion, 7 PM. We will also drag out the Christmas Tree, so everyone can help decorate the pavilion for the upcoming Christmas parties. Rick 2 has, once again, consented to construct a float for the Trenton Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. He will need volunteers who can assist him on this weekend. If you would be willing to help, please let me know so I can send you time and place instructions.

Saturday, December 6th - Christmas Parade, 6 PM. We will need lots of volunteers to toss candy to (not throw at) the crowds, so come march with us, or ride on the float. This is a fun event, with such positive crowd response and lots of children shouting "look at the hang glider". This is also the night of the TTT Christmas Dinner at our pavilion, so we can join them after the parade, or, if you wish, go directly to the TTT party, also at 6 PM.

Saturday, December 13th - Toy Collection Party for Dade County Sheriff's "Hope for the Holidays" fund, hosted by Ann Everson, 7 PM, at her house on the brow, south of launch. Everyone is welcome, just bring an unwrapped toy. Ann and I will also be collecting monetary donations, starting at the Thanksgiving dinner, checks should be made out to "Hope for the Holidays".

Saturday, December 20th - LMFP Christmas Party at the pavilion, 7 PM. Food Fund will be contributing ham and grilled salmon, bring a side dish. I am also planning on providing beer and wine. I will repeat this email during the months of November and December, with updates, for those with a lot on their minds during the Holiday season.

Doris