Return to Forever

I love MUSIC. All types of music. So when a friend of mine asked if I wanted to go to a concert I didn't hesitate to say 'YES'. Now the name of the band seemed familiar but I couldn't recall ever hearing any of their music before. He told me who was in the group and they sounded familiar too, I just couldn't place the names, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White and Al Di Meola.

So, with no expectations, I went to see the reunited group "Return to Forever". And I am very glad I did. It was a great concert with good friends, what more could you ask for?

So what are they like I hear you ask. Well my friend says their style is called "Fusion" and combination of Jazz and Rock. I would have to agree with that description. It also reminded me of some Keith Emerson compositions. Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

If you haven't heard their music before and you like Jazz and Rock, give them a listen. You just might like what you hear.

Up, Up and AWAY! (finally)

Well I can now scratch one more thing off the "List of Things I Have to do before I Die". It took 11 months to get it done, but it is done. And what could it be?? Why its a....

Hot Air Balloon Ride!! Yes, I have now added a lighter than air flight too the list of things I have experienced in this life.

It was originally supposed to be a birthday present for me and a co-worker last year in June, but due to weather, scheduling conflicts, weather, winter and weather, it kept being pushed back till mid May of this year. And weather nearly fouled us up yet again. It seems they like to fly hot air balloons when the winds a light, like less than 10 mph. And the morning we flew, the winds were forcasted for about 6 mph. Have you ever felt like Mother Nature was out to get you? After we arrived at the launch site and started getting the balloon set up, the wind changed direction slightly and started to increase. The change in direction meant repositioning the balloon half way through the inflation process. The increased wind speed made the set up a little more tricky, but we finally got everything situated and launched.... at 23 mph. So, there we go, clipping along at almost 4 times the speed we were planning on. And the slight change in wind direction really limited landing possibilities. SO, the trip was cut a little short, not distance just time aloft. And as I found out, the reason for flying in lower wind speeds is not because of craft limitations, its because landing in a balloon at higher speed can be a ROUGH experience!! But EXCITING!! So with options limited on landing area, our pilot choose to land on a practice field of an area high school. OK, picture this. Your in a hot air balloon, trying to land on a football practice field. Just past the football field is a 4 lane divided highway. To get to the field, we have to clear high tension power lines and towers, and the tall stadium lights of the actual football field. We clear everything and start our decent. With the highway coming up fast, you look down and what do you see?? You are almost perfectly lined up with the goal post on the practice field. There just happens to be 2 side by side on this particular field. We barely clear the first one and come in right beside the second one. WE MADE IT!!! Well, almost. You ever notice the the balloon is a LOT wider than the basket? Well as the basket passed right by the goal post, the balloon snagged the first upright, causing the basket to turn 90 degrees really fast. Now we had preped for landing, so when we turned ,we were not in the best position for a fast landing. The balloon was ripped through the scoop (lowest section near the burner), and 2 panels. Back to the landing. So we hit out of position and ended up on the floor of the basket. Went airborne again. Came back down and this time the basket was pulled over on its side. Luckly me and the pilot were on the ground side and my co-worker landed on top of us. If it would have been the other way around, I don't think she would have been too happy. Alright, we are down and not moving anymore. We crawl out and see we had about 200 feet before the highway. Everyone is OK and it was definitly cool. After we help packing up the gear we head out for a champagene brunch, learn a little about ballooning history and hear some stories of past exploits of our pilot and friends. All in all, it was a great morning. But if I ever do it again, it will have to be over a more sceninc location.

Now.... whats next on my list?

Hi, its Me...

That's right. I am tired of taking a back seat to him. I am tired of his lazy ways. I am going to start living for me. Let him sit in front of his damn computer and play his silly games, I am going to start having fun! And since the money has already been put down on the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, I guess I can start with that. I was talking to my friend the other day and the point was raised that this will be the longest ride either of us has ever attempted. I mean, just to get there will be over 1200 miles and we are planning on doing that in 2 days. The longest ride either of us has been on to this point has been around 300 and we were sore after that. So we decided we REALLY need to try this before hand, so we could get some idea of what we were getting ourselves into. Well any trip like this requires some planning, talking to others who have made similar trips, web searches etc. Well everybody I talked to had an item or 2 that were must haves. Like biker (bicycle) riding shorts, or wicking underwear with flat seams. Even talked to one guy who swore by "monkey butt powder". Monkey Butt... I have to admit this was a new term to me. It apparently refers to a species of monkeys that have bright red butts. And riding long hours you get a sore, red, chaffed butt that looks or at least feels like it is bright red. Anyways, so taking all the information provided and found, we set off yesterday for a 600+ mile ride. We figured staying off the interstate highways would be better with it being a holiday and all. The ride was fun and we did manage 630+ miles in just over 12 hours and we weren't really pushing hard. Never the less, when we got off the bikes at his house I wanted to jump for joy. But all we could really do was stand for joy. So we made it. And I actually don't feel bad at all today. It didn't even hurt to get back on the bike this morning. So now I really feel better about this trip in August. And I did learn one thing on the ride, wear sunscreen. 12 hours in the Texas sun will burn you, even if it is only 93 degrees. But I have really interesting tan/burn lines. Hopefully I will have a chance to even them out before the blog meet.

Take care and see ya soon!

Time for my Quartetly entry....

Hi there!! Remember me?? Yes it has been awhile, but I been working hard and haven't had time to .....

WHAT!! You are a dog!! You have been spending all your time hanging out with Walrilla playing that damn World of Warcraft. So don't even pretend that you have been busy. Hell, the last I heard, his wife was going to start charging you rent!! So don't even try and say you have been busy. I swear, you have been wasting more time with that damn game...

Well "Hello" to you too. And just where have you been hiding lately? Been anywhere exciting?

Hiding?? I have been right here!! Being ignored like a plant in the corner of a room! Oh, and by the way, the plant died.

I have not been ignoring you. If you wanted my attention, all you had to do was speak up. I would have been all ears.

All ears? Like that Night Elf character of yours? Hardly! I tried to talk to you and all I got was grunts and uh-hu's. I thought you were bad when you were watching TV, but this takes the cake. I think you are a video addict. If there are moving pictures, you are worthless. You just sit there staring at the screen.... for hours and even days at a time. I have seen you, surfing through the channels at 4 a.m. looking for something to watch because there "had to be" something to watch. You were a pitiful sight. And now its even worse.

Hey, I am not staying up all night playing this game....

That is because he kicks you out at 3 a.m.

He's a lightweight when it comes to staying up....

No, you are an vid addict with really bad sleep habits.

Why is it you always point out my faults? Can't you be supportive?

Can't you get a life worth supporting?

And you think the game is the reason I ignore you.

Well trust me, if I could leave, I would. But since we are kind stuck with each other, you are just going to have to deal with it.

I thought I had, but apparently that line of therapy didn't take.

Well you can always try it again...

And I just might...

We will see

I am still alive.... but just barely

Well this year started and I had good intentions. But, like always, things never work out the way I plan. This has been the "WORST" year for me and health issues since I was like 12. Seems like I just get over one flu bug and get slapped down by another. Thank goodness I have alot of sick time saved up. Anyways, just wanted to check in. Should have something new up by next week.

Blog meet - YES! Bike - YES!! Rides - OH YA!!!

Bike pics .... Finally

Well this past weekend I was finally able to get something off my list of "To do's".

So you worked on the house, good for you.

No, I didn't work on the house.

So then you worked on the truck, no more rolling down the window to open the door?

Uh... no, not the truck either.

Did you work in the yard? Rake leaves? Trim trees and shrubs?

NO, NO, NO!

Well what exactly were you able to accomplish?

This past weekend, I was able to get pictures of my motorcycle and me!

Excuse me...

What?

Are you telling me you spent 2 whole days taking pictures of you and your bike?

No, of course not. But it was the only thing I was able to get off my list.

So a very productive weekend....

Hey, progress is progress. Anyways, I went over to Walrilla's to get an assist and to help him with something (he should be posting soon, so keep an eye open). Anyways, with his photographers trained eye, we were able to get some nice shots. There was even one with me in it that didn't look too bad.

Wow, he is good then...

Well, without further delay, here are the pics....

With the tour pac


ME!


With the backrest.

With just the seat.

Looking a little shaggy aren't 'cha???

Ya I know, a haircut is on the to do list.

So what are ya thinking, a business man cut, flat top or are you going all the way??

You know I hate short hair, but 10+ inches is just a little too long. I may just put it up to the stylist and give her the impossible task of making me look good...

What, your stylist is a miracle worker?

Bite me...

Can't wait to see this.

Well I will keep you posted....

What ever happened to "Made in the U.S.A."??

Well what got me to wondering about this was over hearing a conversation the other day at work. I heard a co-worker stating that he refused to shop at "Wally World" because he couldn't find anything he needed there that was "Made in the USA". Now I am old enough to remember the commercials you use to see on TV... "Look for the Union label" and "Buy American". But to be totally honest, I cannot recall the last time I saw one. I mean we have all heard at one time or another that we keep exporting jobs and importing products, but have you ever conciously took the time to see where the things you buy everyday actually come from? Here is a quick rundown of stuff around my house. New laptop - China. And if you have the time to look through the owners guide, and read through all the boring bits, you will find a warning stating that handling the power cables will expose you to lead. No joke. I recently bought a Harley Davidson Electraglide Classic. Nothing says "USA" like Harley right?Well I had a air temp gauge replaced with an oil temp gauge. The Air gauge was made in Malasia. Harley riding boots - China. Harley gloves - China.The Harley key fob my girlfriend bought for me - China. The tee-shirt I got when I purchased the bike - St. Loius?? Nope, thats where the design was put on the shirt. The shirt was made in Honduras. I plan on making a day of it soon and just go to the local HD dealership and go through their stock looking for "MADE IN THE USA". So what else is there. My suit - Syria. Cowboy boots - Mexico. Hiking boots - China. Sneakers (both pair) - China. Dress shoes (Cole Haan) - Mexico. Wrangler denim jeans - Mexico and Costa rica. My road bike - Taiwan. Mountain bike - China.RCA radio - China. Epson all in one printer, on the box you only see a California address. Could it be? Nope - Thailand. Space heater - Italy.Blender - China. Coffee maker - Mexico. Roller blades - China. Coats/Jackets - China, Mexico, and Qiz Jordan. Digital Camera - Japan. Well here is a ray of hope, the pillow I am resting on was filled in the US. The casing was made in China tho. My Springfield Armory 40 cal. SW.Springfield Armory of Geneseo, IL. On the slide it even says Springfield Armory USA. Made in Croatia. This is sad. Well there are some things inmy house that are made in the USA. My enterrainment center, it was custom made and I know the people who made it. But I can't vouch for where the wood,glass or hardware came from, it was made in the USA. And it seems most of the food and household chemicals are made here too. I am curious if this is "normal" in households across this country. Is it even possible to have a totally "Made in the USA" house hold anymore? And I have noticed resturants making a push. A local cajun eatery boast "Gulf Coast Shrimp" and What-a-burger is saying "US Beef". I did get an e-mail last week saying McD's was going to start using South American beef. But I can't verify this. So look around and see what is made here. Let me know what and where I can buy American. Should be a piece of pie, easy as cake.

Happy New Year!

OK, I know its almost February, but when have I ever been on time?

Well there has been a few times, but usually someone was kicking you in the butt to get you moving...

True enough. So anyways, I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday season!

Ditto

So what are the plans for the new year? Well one is to start writing in this blog on a consistant basis.

I will believe that when I read it...

Have a little faith will ya?

Hey, I have known you all my life. I more than anyone has the right to be doubtful...

Fine, I will do it just to spite you.

We will see...

Moving on. I am also working out again. The goal is to run a sprint distance triathalon by mid-year.

Weren't you supposed to do that last year?

I am always late remember?

Oh

Fun things that have already been scheduled are a trip to Las Vegas in April and at least two friends and I will be headed to Sturgis Bike Week in August.

Are you going to ride up there?

Of course. That is the point isn't it?

I thought the point was to get there and back alive.

Ye of little faith. And some time this year I will be taking a hot air balloon ride. It has been postponed since last June.

Sounds like you.

Other than that, nothing on a personal side has been planned. But work is going to be a real nightmare this year. Lots of projects.

You can say that again. We are really going to need those vacations, and probably two or three more.

If we can.

Find a way.

OK, I will try.

Thanks.

Anytime. OK, so what plans do you the reader have for 2008? Insire us.

Please.

See you soon!

Sure you will...

OOPS!

Rookie mistake. Apparently I posted a draft before it was done. Its done now. Previous post is fixed.

See ya soon .... or maybe later??

Running Behind

The Worst Words EVER!!

And what might those be I hear you ask?? Well in my opinion they are "Oh that will be easy!". And usually what follows is anything but easy. For those that need to be caught up, I will recap...

My friends daughter is in the high school drama group and they will be preforming an adaptation of "Treasure Island". Well the part she will play is pirate/parrot, dressed as a pirate, carrying a parrot, and the parrot has lines and actions. Well talk moved to the parrot, and tales of what the original cast did and what they were looking to do. So when a rough outline of what they were looking for had been sketched out, I said that would be easy....

And apparently those words also mean, I will build it.

Well it was easy in hind sight. I mean, the final product didn't change that much from the original design. But DAMN, figuring out HOW to keep it LIGHT enough to carry and use plus STRONG enough to survive teenagers, that is a hair pulling exercise. Anyways, here are some pictures of the early construction.

These are pics of the body. You can see some of the control mechanisims that control the beak, head turn and wings. Most of the construction was made of balsa wood, bass wood, wood dowels and pieces of my old R/C race car. There is also brake cables off an old ten speed bike, the handle of a tooth brush, 20 lbs. test spider wire fishing line, parts of the trigger mechanism from an old air soft gun and assorted springs, washers, screws and nylon cord.

Here are some pics of the head. The beak was made out of layered bass wood. It was then cut out on a ban saw and shaped by hand. The pivots and linkages for the beak control are the front spindles and tie rods off the R/C racer. The frame and levers are made of bass and pine. It was then covered by styrofoam. I am not real happy with the final shape, but I will fix that on Parrot 2.0 .... did I just say that???

Well without a doubt, the biggest pain was the wings. They started out with 4 lift arms per side and ended up with 1 per side. And since that change I have figured out the problem with 4 and it should work right on the next one.... there I go again.

Then it was time to cover it. And of course I picked the absolute messiest, hardest to work with fabric ever created by man to cover this puppet. Sewing it was a nightmare, so I ended up hot gluing it to batting. Long process, but the end result actually made nice seams.

Here are pics of the "almost" final product.

The picture of the rear controls. The thumb is used to turn the head side to side. There is a trigger in front that works the beak. The lever at the bottom is used for flapping the wings. It is out on its test run now. They are using it in rehersals and so far it hasn't had any problems. If all goes well, I will add flight feathers at the ends of the wings and tail feathers in the last week before the show. So, for all practical purposes this project is done. The stress is behind me. I can relax for awhile.

Well, that is unless you have a friend like Walrilla. Then, you will be of on your next project before you can even catch your breath. And of course it will only be about a 1000 times more intricate and complicated and time consuming. But it will also be for ME, and I have at least 7 months to make it... that might be cutting it a little close. But stay tuned for contruction updates of DRAGON. It is going to be a monster.