Working on the Wisemen

Working on this. Maybe something will rub-off.

Happy New Year

New Endorsement

I wish "New Endorsement" meant that I was getting paid to fly the plane above. In this case, it specifies additional privileges obtained through training. Any plane with a hp rating above 200 is considered "high performance". If you want to fly one then you need to obtain a formal High Performance Endorsement from a flight instructor. The plane above is C182R and runs with a 230hp. Compared to a Skyhawk (C172) it's bigger, heavier, faster, more stable AND drops like a rock when you pull the power.

I finished this endorsement on Tuesday and it feels good. I like the plane, it stays where you want it and tends to have less thrash in windy conditions. The power settings are something to watch, especially on short final. Too slow can induce a stall too early that drops the nose "right now" that could collapse the nose gear. Nose gear collapse means a prop strike and an immediate required engine pull and overhaul, regardless of damage, and a minimum $30K price tag. These comments are for me as a reminder that "low and slow" makes for a bad and expensive day.

That said, it's very manageable and I'm looking forward to flying it. I'm accepting donations and sponsorships.

So What Did I Get Done?

I have written a few Friday blogs declaring what I would get done. Here's the reality:

Most of the list got done. The OBX trip took place on Sunday instead of Saturday. Wreaths Across America was a huge success. Colin and Lauren really enjoyed the Bonfire and the Friday Christmas part was "memorable".

The wise men must still be looking for the star as the piece of plywood sits upstairs waiting for some love. The leaves did not get done as mother nature helped with some high winds to blow most of the leaves out of the yard and down into the cul-de-sac. I'm happy, neighbors in cul-de-sac "not happy".

So yesterday was a 7 hour round-trip affair for 90 minutes of shutting off the water, clearing out lines, pouring anti-freeze and making deliveries and pick-ups at the house. While not much fun, it beats emergency phone calls and sweating pipe.

All in a weekend's work. Now, about the wisemen....

Another one...

Another weekend full of stuff (but not expecting anything different):

Three things to do tonight and can only pull off two of them:

• Scouts BonFire at Camp Justice: Colin chose this over practice (I would too)
• Christmas Party at friends
• Flying this PM (working on the high performance endorsement)
• Wreaths Across America Ceremony on Saturday
• Quick trip down to OBX Saturday PM (shut the water off and clear the pipes)
• Back late Saturday night or Sunday morning
• Church Sunday
• Lots of leaves now
• Still working on the wisemen.

Next week is a full week. Kids off after Wednesday w/ work off after 1/2 day Friday. Strange weather. After 70 on Wednesday, back to 40 today. I'm surprised we're not sick.

Wreaths Across America - Dec. 15th

Wreaths Across America is back again this year. Veterans cemeteries across the country will commerate the loyal service of veterans this Saturday, Dec. 15. Ceremonies at national cemeteries will run simultaneously, beginning at 12 Noon EST. The link below is to participating locations.

http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

The Southside Composite Squadron will host at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia for the 2nd year.

Weekend Play

A few short weeks 'til Christmas and a lot to do. Listening to Mannheim Steamroller while I type. Type Away!

It's cold in the Commonwealth finally. Low 30's today with snow flurries two days ago. And the weekend....

• More decorating
• Might this be the year for building the 3 wise men?
• Colin's first round ball practice tonight
• Dinner out with friends tomorrow night
• Leaves, only 1/2 done here
• Last touches for cleaning out the home office (and getting the remnants up to the attic).
• Getting ready for Wreaths Across America II, next Saturday the 15th.
• Finish building new buffet for the dining room.
• Planning activities for the family during the holidays

A good weekend to all...