Michele 1 #1 August 27, 2003 So, despite wanting to share every moment with you all about my vacation, if I were to do that, it would take up so much bandwidth and bore you all to tears. So I shall hit highlights, and photos shall accompany them. Travel there, Day 1... The plane was delayed out of LAX by several hours. First, the plane we were going to used got used by the folks who had an inflight emergency, hard parked on the grass strip, and deplaned using the slides. I didn't know what was going on, or I'd've taken photos of that...then, after losing our plane and crew to the other flight, we ended up assigned to a plane, but there was no crew available. Once we got both crew and plane available, and after having switched gates 3 or 4 times, we had to walk out onto the tarmac to board the plane from the rear (it was an MD80). Seems the ramp broke. Once we were airborn, the captain (a cool chick!!) told us we had to wear our seatbelts the entire flight, because of a line of thunderstorms which stretched across the country. Despite some serious evasive maneuvers by our pilot, we ended up going through a "low" spot in the storm...I was seriously wondering if this was a bad day to be flying! LOL...(NOTE: Cloud photos were taken from about 29K, through the window of the plane; there is a gorgeous one of the center of the storm, but it saved too big...oh well). Ended up deplaning late, saw Sinker sitting patiently outside my gate, dropped my stuff, and leapt on the guy. Met with Muenkel, and flung him around a little, just to prove I could. Muenkel had tripped coming off the plane, and had twisted his ankle, but was fine. Rented the Ja, hit the drivethru, made it to the hotel, sorted out the problems, and got settled about 1 am.... Day two on next post... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #2 August 27, 2003 Day Two... So of course I had wanted a storm, but was not anticipating the humidity which would accompany it. Having flown over the storm front, and knowing it was headed east, I was pretty sure I would get it. Friday morning was spent meeting Sinker's incredible wife and most wonderful children, hugging, lots of cuddling Monica the 7-week old, exploring the treehouse, and hanging out in the backyard until it got waaaaaaaaaaaay too hot. Eating lunch was an experience for Muenkel, having never eaten a corndog in his life. (Beer!!!) We were then sent away from the house to tour the city and run errands. I got some gorgeous photos of foliage like I am not used to seeing (not included, because they are just trees, after all...), learned about Cicadas and their most fascinating noise. Muenkel and Sinker laughed at me because I was intrigued by deer grazing on the lawn of the Country club's golf course, and teased me because I was surprised to see cows and boats in the middle of the farming acres which lay in the middle of the city. I met some mosquitos - they grow them the size of small school busses, and try to knock you down when they land on you. BBQ'd brugers and hotdogs for dinner, and then the wind picked up. Sinker and I went into the backyard to watch the wind circle the trees, and I could smell the storm coming. Again, not knowing how strong this storm would be, I kept pestering Sinker to let me know when the rain started. He kept laughing at me... After dinner, Muenkel and Sinker went out to the Jag, and the kids and Lori and I made ice cream and got out Muenkel's birthday cake....and when they came in, we surprised them with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday dear Tit, and, as we were eating, the rain started. Muenkel was presented with his birthday cards from the kids and the gift from Sinker and us (an Alti, engraved), and then I bolted for the outside of the house. I should have known better - none of the natives nor Muenkel elected to come out with me.... Whooping and hollering at the storm, feeling the winds accelerate and lift my braid off my back, feeling the rain - warm, pelting, enormous - I see the lightning streak across the sky. Booming thunder answers my calls, and I turn in circles. I am under the carport, so am somewhat protected, and just absorbing the intensity of the night, feeling the weather, smelling that smell of rain and ozone.... And then came in, drenched, because it got a little hairy for this little SoCal kid.... More on Day 3.... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #3 August 27, 2003 Day 3 Burgess Falls hiking... What a gorgeous spot on God's planet. The falls were tucked away into the countryside, and in the hieght of summer, I had not expected such green and lush environs. The trail was about 3 miles back and forth, and because Lori just had a baby, she was not up to making it down to the bottom of the falls. Sinker and I and his two incredible children (Hannah 6, and Gabe, 4 1/2) did go down to the bottom, leaving Muenkel with Lori on top. Climbing down slippery rocks, feeling the spray from the falls dusting my face, I could think of no-where else I would rather be - good friends, intense scenery, away from my life. How perfect that time was. At the bottom of the falls, it was cooler (well, it was relatively cooler...), and I watched the kids throw rocks into the water. Loud but peaceful as we sat there, I watched a purple butterfly flit around. Sinker spotted a family of turtles poking their heads out of the water, and I could feel the pressure in my life lift away. Climbing back up, everyone was tired, but I could've done it all again. Lori and Muenkel had gone back to the cars, so Sinker and the kids and I hotfooted it back, where we picnicked in the trees. Muenkel let me drive the Jag back, and then everyone but me took a nap. I just changed shirts. Muenkel had a horrid headache, so he elected to remain in the hotel for the evening. Which means more Jag time for me..... I bought KFC for everyone at dinner, and then Sinker and I drove around town, just relaxing and talking. We went to the municipal airport, and got a good look at a few really cool airplanes. Because everyone was wiped out, and because we were going to Mass the next morning, we called it as an early evening, and back to the hotel I went... More on Day 4... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #4 August 27, 2003 More day 3 photos... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #5 August 27, 2003 QuoteI bought KFC for everyone at dinner I tough they were your friends?Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chopchop 0 #6 August 27, 2003 dammit.. no boobies.. here I was hoping for pics of some swinging lifestyle thing you guys were all on... chopchop gotta go... Plaything needs a spanking.. Lotsa Pictures Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #7 August 27, 2003 HappyBirthdayMuenkel.jpg damn dad your hair got orange!!!I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #8 August 27, 2003 Quotedammit.. no boobies.. here I was hoping for pics of some swinging lifestyle thing you guys were all on... I guess they're being private about it...Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #9 August 27, 2003 Day 4... OK, so I may have said something inappropriate when Gabe was listening. Sinker and Muenkel and I had been joking about me going to Mass, the church exploding, holywater boiling, general heretical destruction...but little pitchers, as they say, have big ears.. We dressed and went to Mass, which was a great experience. Very interesting homily, and great feeling there in the church. After Mass, Gabe kept looking from me to a basin of water, very curiously. He came over to me, tugged on the hem on my shirt... "Minelle" says Gabe, "God loves you". "Gabe, thank you" says me, "that makes me feel good." "I know because that's o.k" he says, pointing at a basin of holy water. I of course cracked up. Breakfast was pancakes and eggs, made at the Sinker residence. We decided that Andrew Jackson's plantation was the place the three DZ.commers would go for the afternoon, and promptly took off. We had a great time at the plantation, learning all sorts of history and seeing the slaves' quarters was a haunting experience. It's hard to see history in front of you, of a time period which I as an american am none too proud of. But by the same token, it was how life was lived then, and fascinating in that sort of odd sense of doubling over - time slippage. We saw where one of the slaves had been buried in the garden near Gen. Jackson and his wife, and their house was really beautiful. We saw damage that the storm I "danced" in had wreaked, and got back on the road to get home. BBQ chicken and dinner time, and then early night because Muenkel had an early flight. Day 5...running around, shopping, spending time with this incredible family, and not wanting to come home...bittersweet and poignant, missing my kitties and my home, but also not having yet had my fill of this special family and beautiful town...(NOTE: For some reason, these photos saved too big. I will work on them...if I can get them resized, I will follow-up post them..) But home I came. When Dad picked me up at the airport, he didn't say "Hello"...he said..."I haven't seen you look this good or relaxed in years. " Mission accomplished, Sinker. Thank you for a wonderful experience, know you are missed, and that you are indeed blessed with such a gentle and loving wife and most amzing loving kids. Muenkel, I never expected to say this, but I miss you, too...even if you can't drive. Hugs to all, and thank you both from the bottom of my heart. I needed this, more than either of you realize. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GARYC24 3 #10 August 27, 2003 I bought KFC for everyone at dinner, I guess the closer to Ky. you get the better the KFC har har! I myself was raised in Lou. Ky.! now reside in Ca. I'm craving to go back home and skydive there! I would have LOVED to been there! Gary Calhoun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chopchop 0 #11 August 27, 2003 Dude.. didja see Day 4? They went to church.. That was where all the nasty stuff happened.. I'll bet there were Catholic priests involved.. chopchop gotta go... Plaything needs a spanking.. Lotsa Pictures Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #12 August 27, 2003 I am so glad your trip was so relaxing for you Michele. The pics are great, even if some of them are too small). So when things get too hectic for you, just rely on these memories for relaxation. Jan -------------------------------------- Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #13 August 27, 2003 Jan, I feel like I'm in the middle of "Goldilocks" Some photos are too small... Some are too large.... But none are just right! ROFL! Well, I tried, right? And yes, I will rely on those pix, and the many many hugs stored in my memory when things get a little rough.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #14 August 28, 2003 Awesome pics! Glad to hear you had such a great time and FINALLY relaxed. Hugs, sweetie!Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinker 0 #15 August 28, 2003 bummer 'bout the pics, but yes indeed your TN sojourn was a good one! The house just doesn't feel the same w/o you and Muenkel here... -the artist formerly known as sinker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #16 August 28, 2003 I am glad you all had a great time....."According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #17 August 28, 2003 QuoteSo when things get too hectic for you, just rely on these memories for relaxation. Not only for Michele. This will be a great story for everybody to remember when faith in mankind is not at its peak. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #18 August 28, 2003 And don't forget....look in the mirror and smile (((sarcasm intended)))"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #19 August 28, 2003 Quote And don't forget....look in the mirror and smile (((sarcasm intended))) and then your tag line... Quotei'd still scream like a little girl if I saw that!!!!!! Something extremely humorous in the juxtapostioning of those two lines... Yes, Justin, it is a great memory. One of the things I tend to lose when I am depressed is my "value" to others. Because of that, during those times, it will be very valuable for me to remember there is someone who thought enough of me to bring me out for a vacation; there have been others who've done kindnesses to me (my gear, FlyingFerret's gift, notes, etc...) these make me realize I am loved, and I am valuable to people. This is a great reminder of that, too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinker 0 #20 August 28, 2003 ok, so I tried resizing some of my shots from cd... -the artist formerly known as sinker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinker 0 #21 August 28, 2003 and some more... -the artist formerly known as sinker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
