One More Trip
Got a few loose ends to wrap up back in Bend so I decided to fly and use the opportunity to visit the “chillen”.
No sign of winter here yet but summer is definitely over.
So it snows a bunch in Denver right before I arrive. It was 70+ the next day, hardly any left at the Genesee Overlook on Hwy 70.
D
Lakewood had baseball sized hail this spring. The results, a new roof and car for the Sodens. Their solar array on the minimally sloped roof only lost one collector but the shingles took a major beating, as did the car.
Meanwhile, Molly is into running cross country at school.
It must be more fun than it appears.
Spencer tried to introduce me to Minecraft I’m no better at that than I was at Mario Brothers. So I watched him. Reminded me of watching Ryan do Mario.
On to Portland where Nina and Louis are doing Nina and Louis things.
Nina’s suspension bridge was cool.
And I got to go to the last two games of the regular season.
The regulars were there.
Here’s one of Megan and James before the incident. 
This is the display of scarves that Heidi puts up in front of us on the front row guard rail. Since she is a member of the Whipsaws, she displayed the trophy at the last game. The team showed up at halftime to share a drink of wine from the cup. Here’s a pic of Heidi at a game a long time ago. Her eyes have cleared up since this photo. 
Between games I went over to Bend to pack up the last of my stuff from storage and shrink wrap it for shipping to Homer.
I had hoped to also bring back all my slides and prints from high school thru Vietnam, but Teri refuses to relinquish them to anyone but me personally. Since that is not happening without a neutral third party observer, I guess she will retain custody.
Meanwhile, back in Homer, Bill and some friends were preparing the trebuchet for the 2nd annual post Halloween pumpkin toss fundraiser at West Elementary.
The kids launched their jack-o-lanterns out onto the playground. The grand finale was the launching of the golden pumpkin. They sold $5 chances to pick the square it would land on in the grid previously drawn out on the grass.
Loading the pumpkin.
The “trigger” mechanism”.
One on it’s way to destruction.
The Trebuchet developed cracks, so we kept the kids away after that. We decided that the whole thing could come apart and cover considerable ground. We decided that we should let the oldest of the “adults” launch the last pumpkin; no sense risking anyone with long range obligations. Guess who that turned out to be.
Anyway, I was too busy getting out of the way and didn’t get any photos of the “golden pumpkin”, nothing special, just like this one, only painted gold.
Meanwhile, winter has arrived in Ohlson Mountain.
Should be gone soon as sunny days forecasted for the week ahead.
As I contemplate future trips outside, I beginning to think I’d better slow down and find out what will be the new “normal” here in Homer. I’m going to see if I can’t stay put until next Fall; limiting trips to inside Alaka till then.
I have been reinventing myself for the last three years; now it is time to contemplate and reinvent my future. Don’t know how often we’ll get to talk but feel free to check in if you want to.
Remember, …”perfection is an illusion; life will be much easier on you if you keep an open mind while defining and searching for your perfection”. Don’t know who said that, before me that is.
Thanks again for being the wonderful friends you are. Come visit me anytime, cause the weather is always perfect where I am.
So far I've reached acceptable proficiency at the following, in chronological order: Silversmith, infantryman/door gunner, helicopter pilot, fireman, carpenter, residential contractor, FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and crotchety old retired guy. Currently, I'm learning to fly again and that is what this is all about. 7/7/2020 edit: As I have had the opportunity to reflect (old people do that a lot) on my actual proficiency level at the above occupations, I feel adjustments are in order. The term "acceptable" depends on the observer, their own proficiency and experience level. Acceptable to me might be woefully deficient to the master. I think it would be more accurate to claim that I have earned a living wage at all of these occupations but never got rich. Actually, I feel that I have gotten rich at the last one. I have what I need and am profoundly grateful for all of it. The future looks bright indeed, as I have learned to fly again. For that I have all of you to thank. Thank You!
Pig, hope things start to settle for you. If you get cold and wet and want some winter sun you will always be welcome. Take care, stay in touch
Will miss your pictures and commentary. You’re always welcome in Austin when you decide to travel again. Stay well and keep warm.