It's Been a While ~

It's been a while, but yesterday I put on my "big girl pants" and went up in this with my DSO. (Remember, he built this!)  Now this airplane is little.  Cozy you might say.  The engine is about the same size as the engine on his motorcycle.  (Does the phrase "the difference between men and boys . . . come to mind?)  

Even though small, there are quite a few instruments, gizmos and gadgets. 

The fields are a wonderful patchwork from the air.

Our destination is that little clearing of land next to the Muskingum River - apply named Riverside Airport - in Zanesville, Ohio.

It is such a small world.  After landing, a gentleman asked if we flew down from Lorain to which we replied "yes".  (DSO was wearing a shirt that had Lorain on it.)  He said that he was originally from Lorain and lived on King Ave. Wait a minute!  I live on King Avenue, a street only 3 blocks long.  Years ago when I was looking for a house in this area, I actually looked at the house he had owned.  When he told me his name I realized that I knew his niece.  That is just too much coincidence.  What is it they say about only six degrees of separation?

* * *

Just a few pictures around the yard.  Thankfully we have not gotten a frost, but it has not been far from it the last few nights.

LOVE this iris

I still haven't picked a winner for the rug pattern. Soon . . . I promise.

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Fritz's BIG Adventure ~

You probably recall me bragging telling you that my DSO Fritz built an airplane..  It took about 2 years and finally took to the skies last fall.  (Watching his first flight was SO scary!)

Here he is last Tuesday morning getting ready to set off on his BIG ADVENTURE.  His goal is to fly from Ohio to Petaluma, CA to visit his younger son Matt, by way of Phoenix, AZ.  Yesterday he reached the first part of his goal.  He is spending a couple days with a childhood friend in Phoenix before heading to Petaluma. 

 

Do I worry about him?  You betcha, but I am so proud of what he is accomplishing.  He says it's the adventure of a lifetime and I am so happy he is able to do it!  Oh, and today's his birthday.  Happy birthday, Fritz!!! 

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Maiden Voyage!

Well, today was the day. The FAA finally signed off on all the paperwork and it was a perfect day for flying. My DSO Fritz was ready to take off - the culmination of over 1000 hours of construction time, 12,000+ rivets (I put one rivet in!) and nearly two years of work. Fritz lives in a condo and built the entire plane in his garage. His experimental light sport Van's RV-12 kit plane was ready to take to the skies!

Here he is leaving the hangar. I am excited but a nervous wreck!

This is rather disconcerting - duct tape. He says it's to hold the wings on! Actually just a stop-gap measure until the plane is painted.

On the taxi-way.

That is him! It really flies. I had no doubt, but it still is mind-boggling to think that HE built it.

This picture says it all.

I am so proud of him! Love you, Sweetie!

Thank you so much for allowing me to share this momentous occasion with you.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren