efs4ever 3 #1 July 3, 2005 The following text is reprinted by permission from Diana Lynn of Stacy, MN. She and I grew up in Saudi Arabia in the sixties, and, as all good Aramco Brats do, we have reunions. It's her rendition of the jump. During the formal Aramco Brat Reunion at the end of May 2005, she got a ride to about 4500 feet in Skydive Houston's Super Otter before being forced down due to bad weather. Quote Fellow Brat, Russell Webb, RT66, came to MN to make his 1000th tandem jump, while I was with him making my first jump. Unlike Hania, who seemed to want to jump over and over again, I think I'll wait awhile before doing it again. Although I didn't feel nervous--my hands were not sweaty palmed--the photos taken of me standing after landing on firm earth reveal that I was ready to both faint and vomit. On the way down, the toggle turns to the right and left reminded me of some stomach churning ride at the State Fair. We landed softly, however, and it appears I don't have any injuries. We drove to Waseca, MN, which is about 120 miles from Stacy. There is a very small sky diving club (about 8 men were there today) that welcomed us. Of course, they were happy to have Russell to tandem jump some of their friends. Russell made three tandem jumps--once was enough for me. In a way, it reminded me of a dog show, except instead of talking about dogs, the men only talked about jumping and gear and airplanes. It was a very fun day, although as the only woman, there was way too much testosterone in the air. At the end of the day, the club toasted Russell with champagne to celebrate his 1000th tandem jump. I understand the celebration for the 100th jump is a pie in the face. It was fascinating to watch these men jump, then straighten and repack the chutes, go up and jump again. There are about a million steps to packing a parachute. I bet those same men cannot fold a fitted king bed sheet properly. I am enjoying Russell's spur of the moment trip to MN. I took him to the Carlos Avery Wildlife Preserve, where you know I go all the time with the dogs who run off leash, and for the very first time, some DNR dick busts me for having dogs off leash before July 16th. "It's nesting season, you know. It's been the law for 50 years," he says. I said, "So bite me. I have a criminal defense attorney right here with me." No, I didn't say that, but the DNR dude was making me angry, as does any encounter with someone wearing a badge. Russell, who is never without a camera in his hands, documented the entire conversation. Perhaps he will also post photos of that on his website. Later, I blamed being reprimanded by the DNR on Russell, who still has a beard (although much shorter than we we saw him in Houston) and longer hair. Damn hippie looking lawyers. Enjoy your Fourth of July and be safe with fire works. Diane Szostek, DH'60, aka Diana Lynn of Sunrise River Boxers in Stacy, MN. Minnestota was my 25th state too! Russell M. Webb D 7014 Attorney at Law 713 385 5676 https://www.tdcparole.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #2 July 3, 2005 Quote although as the only woman, there was way too much testosterone in the air. She learns quickly! QuoteAt the end of the day, the club toasted Russell with champagne to celebrate his 1000th tandem jump. I understand the celebration for the 100th jump is a pie in the face. Hmmm... I've seen a lot of pie for the 1000th, too... QuoteIt was fascinating to watch these men jump, then straighten and repack the chutes, go up and jump again. There are about a million steps to packing a parachute. I bet those same men cannot fold a fitted king bed sheet properly. So true! Congrats on your 1000th! Sounds like a wonderful day with an old friend!"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #3 July 3, 2005 Congratulations on #1000. As a part time TM, it's taken years just to get to 850 tandems. Maybe another good season or two. Hope your pie was chocolate cream . . . and they thawed it out first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
