A buddy of mine from Arkansas, Steve Prater, had a spectacular day at Mt. Nebo, Arkansas. The reason that I posted this one, as opposed to others, is for the simple fact that it took him less than 8 minutes to get to cloud base from launch. To me,,that's just a special day. Plus, I'm earth bound for still a while longer, and these kind of things helps me to keep my sanity. Hope that you enjoy this as much as I do. Thanks Steve !

Only three pilots with gliders showed up on this day. No music. Just a bunch of radio chatter on a nice climb. Getting to cloud base was awesome. Flying with the two men who took me from the training hills to here........Priceless.

I have enough footage for a part 2 & 3 but we will see. Visit us at http://www.ouachitahanggliding.com/ and http://www.okparagliding.com/ then come fly with us.

Fly high, fly far and fly safe

Glad to see that our little friends has decided to come back, and join us again this year. They've been gone for a couple of weeks. Glad they're back.

Another great sunset in the backyard tonight !

The below story was on the FoxNews.com website. Who would complain about this??? some neighbor? If 85% of American's believe in God,,,then why is kind of stuff going on? Our Founding Fathers are probably rolling over in their graves.

Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit
Thursday, May 28, 2009

Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary have been told that they cannot invite friends to their San Diego, Calif. home for a Bible study — unless they are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to San Diego County.
"On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the Bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county." David Jones told FOX News.
"We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a Bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all," Jones said.
A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited "unlawful use of land," ordering them to either "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.
But the major use permit could cost the Jones' thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over.
For David and Mary Jones, it's about more than a question of money.
"The government may not prohibit the free exercise of religion," Broyles told FOX News. "I believe that our Founding Fathers would roll over in their grave if they saw that here in the year 2009, a pastor and his wife are being told that they cannot hold a simple Bible study in their own home."
"The implications are great because it’s not only us that’s involved," Mary Jones said. "There are thousands and thousands of Bible studies that are held all across the country. What we’re interested in is setting a precedent here — before it goes any further — and that we have it settled for the future."
The couple is planning to dispute the county's order this week.
If San Diego County refuses to allow the pastor and his wife to continue gathering without acquiring a permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court.

I had my post operation follow-up Dr. appointment today.
I got an A+ on my report card, for my efforts this first week. Starting on Monday, they want me to start walking as much as possible. I can even go back to work, on light duty. And, since my work is basically light work. The toughest things about my job,,hours upon hours in the vehicle, and time away from home. With the understanding that every hour I must get out of the Jeep and walk around a bit. The only things that they dont want me doing, is lifting, pushing, and pulling. NO mowing my grass, YET! I know this sounds strange to most, but I am looking forward to mowing my grass ! I just got my legs back, and I'm ready to stretch them out !
I want to thank everyone that has been praying for me, and the calls, visits, etc... makes me all misty, and eyes fill with......welll, not really. But, I do thank you from my heart !

Tonights sunset.

Thanks to Beth, since she has sent more interestings for me to post. I welcome good stuff, right now. I was afraid that my posts were going to be few and far between, or worse,,,boring and dull.

Hey Ray, Thanks for posting my post on your blog. I have been a fan of your blog since I found it last fall. I have looked at lots of your pictures. I keep it bookmarked. I know that you know John Stokes too. He and my boyfriend, Miller go way back. You can see some good old vintage gliders, shots of Lookout LZ and launch, and an old shot of John in there. Also, Oliver and Jackie are in there. Oliver has the red and white Fledge. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7rS57AEK1c




Some of Miller's old slides from 1980-81. Mostly hang gliding pictures and old friends from then. Has old pics of Miller, Oliver Gregory, John Stokes, and Mark Stump. Shots from Heavener, OK, Lookout Mtn., and Memphis, TN.

The Flytec Race & Rally YouTube video. One of the best video's that I've seen. Thought I would share it with my small world over here!

Hope that you enjoy it.

Beth Haulum, one of the photographers from over at the TTT posted the information below. Check out the June edition , and all the great photos.

Tennessee Tree Toppers Branches newsletter for June just came out. Miller has an article about his recent 105 mile flight and one of my pics was used on the cover and I have 8 total photo credits in this issue. A big first for me. I do love being able to document and share all the flights, fun, and beautiful scenery
www.tennesseetreetoppers.org

There are only 2 words that truly describes Veteran's Day: Thank You ! Semper FI !
Roger and Debbie Tubbs orchestrated the evenings' festivities. And, what a spectacular job that they did with them. I was very impressed with the amount of work that was put into this. I was just one of the many Vets. honored this evening,,and after it all was thru,,I left feeling proud of the little bit of sacrifice that I had made for my Country.

Roger, shown here, reading off of his index cards that he had made for each and every one of us. He gave the Vets name, rank, job, places served and a little bit about their military career.

Roger himself, during his tour of duty,was awarded: the Distinguished Flying Cross, and 2 Air medals. Thank you, Roger for all of the effort that you put into this.

I took pictures of all the branches of service individually, along with the picture that you see above. The above picture shows all of the military people that were in attendance this evening.

It was tough for all of us Marines to be standing next to the Navy personnel,,but for such a worthy cause,,, I figured we could tolerate being that close to Denny Pistoll for a few minutes anyway. Gotcha, Buddy ! Actually, it was an honor, my friend.

The ladies that are shown above, are the one's that fed the masses tonight. This is the only time, that I saw, them take advantage of a slack moment. Doris, and her volunteers, always do a bang up job. Kudos ladies!

Teresa did a great a great job with the ceremonial music during the program, and the Party music afterwards. I had to head home early, due to my fear of over-doing it, this evening. I'm very glad I didn't miss this one !

To all of the Vets, past and present, I extend my sincerest ~ Thank you !

Here's the link to check out all the pictures of this get together: http://photos.visioncomm.net/?Lib=44

1st day of recovery at the house.
I can tell this is going to really be a trial for me. Dr. Greer said it shouldn't be over a month for my recovery. Month? Month? Me in the house, no driving, no lifting over 4 pounds, etc.... for a month? What don't kill us,,,makes us stronger. Told Wendy to hide the gun, ha ha. Just kidding.
Actually, I'm going to try and do some things to make the time pass quicker. Like: learn Spanish, do some projects for Doris & the flight park, what ever it takes to stay sane, and stay away from the stinking thinking that will make this harder than it has to be.
Since I will be on some meds during this period, please forgive me for the rambling, and all-over-the-place thought process. Maybe this short time will make me a better writer?! Who's to say. All that I do know, is that I'm very happy just to be here~~period. This could have been ohhh soo much worse than it was. And, I am equally as happy to have friends that genuinely care if I live or die.
Guess my feelings for the day: Thankfulness

Just a note to let everyone know, that the surgery was a success, and I will be heading home tomorrow ,what the Dr. said.
Thanks for all the Prayers, well wishes, and positive thoughts.
A big thank you goes out to all the great folks that work for Memorial Hospital. Everyone of them that had anything to do with my procedure, was a pleasure & Blessing. Even the food was,,mmmmm not too bad, hahah. Seriously,,, not bad at all!

The below link is about a 12 year old Lexxi Saal Tribute to Thank Soldiers. Please enjoy.

http://americanveteranscenter.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/12-year-old-lexxi-saal-records-tribute-to-thank-soldiers/

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12-Year-Old Lexxi Saal Records Tribute to Thank Soldiers

Twelve-year-old Lexxi Saal recently wrote and recorded an original song“Thank You.” She has dedicated it to all of the men and women in the Armed Forces. She is hoping to have as many soldiers and their families hear it by Memorial Day as possible.
Lexxi said, “Memorial Day is much more than a day off at the beach…The soldiers don’t get a day off. They are making endless sacrifices everyday to keep us all safe…I want to inspire everyone to take a moment and really give the thanksthe deserve.”

The weather late this afternoon was fickle. This first one, is a look from above the clouds. The rest of them, are from below them.
In this one, you can see the bottoms of the clouds hitting half way up the mountain, then rolling over the top. Nasty looking clouds, especially to be flying in.

The mountain looks like it is on fire in this one. In actuality, it's the moisture being released, as a result from the temperature drop after the rain.

Both ultralights pulling a tandem each, trying to get a couple more discovery flights in, before the bad weather sets in. I think I caught a UFO in the top left-hand corner. May have to click on the pic to get a better look.

At one point, the wind switched. And, someone in upper management told them to switch ends to tow out of. As soon as they got there,,,, can you say gust front?~

This is a very rare sight indeed. Ron Knight was trying to ground handle this falcon glider in the higher winds, in a mad dask to get back to the hangars. He had a whack. Rare sight indeed. Sorry buddy,,,got to take 'em when I can get 'em.

Another good meal in the LZ tonight. Ham, baked potatoes, all the trimmings, green beans, and bread, and great desserts. Thanks Doris

This is from the formal party that Jean had on Saturday night. Cam scrubs up pretty good, huh?!!
The setting was at Nicko's, and the food was outstanding. So were the ladies elegant dresses, and the men's tuxedos or suits. There was also a long white limo waiting outside, for festivities afterwards.

The VIP table
Jean was treated like a Queen for a night, complete with a court of lovely ladies, especially her Mom ! What a card, and such a pleasure to be around. Watch her, she is smarter, and more quick witted than ALLL of us ! ! ! !

Below are the 5 other tables of guests, in random order

The center piece was simple, but classy.

Thanks Jean, for allowing me to be a small part of this momentous occasion, I'm honored to call You and Cam, friends.

These pictures are for Jean, for her 50Th birthday. This one takes place in the LZ. The food was catered: Barbecue sandwiches, all the trimmings, and desserts, with a keg and Rick's Band, and Barry & I did karaoke for everyone to enjoy,,,,,,or not.

Jean actually sang 2 songs.

Kid Dave" Miller, did a roast for her tonight, also. I think the funniest two were:

Jean's having to buy her stethoscope from Miracle Ear.

Jean was caught trying to buy aerotow tickets with her AARP discount.

Here's a shot of Rick's band. They have gotten quite good.

The next night was equally as entertaining. Will post pictures from Saturday night, tomorrow.

The front flower bed, after all the rain. I was very impressed with what had happened in the 2 weeks that I was away, in Memphis. Everything has started going crazy,,,,in this case,,that's a good thing.
This is a tree of shame. Lots of lures, hooks, line, bobbers, etc..... from folks trying to fish around it. Nothing worse than loosing a brand new lurer in a tree somewhere. Especially, one that you can see, but just can't get to.

Time heals all wounds, so they say. Wonder just how many years this tree has been used as a fence post.

This person has his own set up on lake front property. Furnished with a Posted Keep out sign.

One man's trash, is another man treasure,,so they say.

Below, is a picture of an 86 year old man. When asked whether he had caught anything or not,,he merely replied,,, "I don't care if they bite or not, I'm just glad to be able to do this".

Words of wisdom at what he said. I, also, hope that I'm able to go fishing at 86 yrs old.

Got Your Back

I am a small and precious child, my dad's been sent to fight…

The only place I'll see his face, is in my dreams at night.

He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track.

I may be sad, but I am proud. My daddy's got your back…

I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war…

My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.

Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.

I may be scared, but I am proud…My son has got your back...

I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go.

There are times I'm terrified in a way most never know.

I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack…

My heart may break, but I am proud...My husbands got your back...

I am a Soldier ...Serving Proudly, standing tall.

I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call.

I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.

Say a prayer that I'll come home.

It's me who's got your back.

(Author Unknown)

As most of you know, I test cell phone towers for a living. I do this across the nation, where ever a company needs it to be done. Most of the time, I am making sure the 911 services know where you are standing, when you make that dreaded call. It's not,,,can you hear me know,,,it's more like,,,,,,can you find me now ! Hearing isn't the problem anymore. Well, most of the time, and all according what carrier that you have. AT&T is the best, hands down, across the board. For coverage, and for the 3G networks. Of course, that's just my opinion. The FCC keeps them ALL honest !
Below is a rare site, of which I wish we would see more of. Can you see the tower?

Can you see it now?

These things are so environmentally pleasing, that the bird set up house in them. I know that I'm not alone thinking that that All should be like this.

On my way home Friday, I just happen to see something really unusual, on the side of the highway. A shoe tree. There's a llama out there somewhere ! You may want to click the picture to see a larger view. I was smiling the whole time, and just shaking my head in awe,,,,,or something like that !

I've adopted a new pet, shown below. Wendy isn't too happy about it.

Seriously, just outside our garage door, I was starting some tomato plants, and noticed the web around the top of one of the pots, next to the wall. I sprinkled a little water on the plant, and our new friend showed up. Kind of spooky, in a beautiful way. Don't know how that I'm going to catch and release this guy, ,, but, will give it a shot.

Don't play around rocks without looking around .

Here's a poor little bluebird that played chicken with a car. We did what we could do for it. Which was to get it out of the road, and put it somewhere out of traffic.