Chillin' in Oklahoma

This past weekend, I flew down to speak at a safety seminar in Oklahoma City. Thanks so much to Michael and Josie Scott for the invitation and for the wonderful hospitality! Unfortunately, the cold weather seemed to follow me south with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. The brisk north wind only added to the chill in the air! While there, I was able to visit the bombing memorial, which can only be described as a very moving experience...



Above is a picture of a tree that survived the blast. 16 buildings were destroyed by the bombing, yet this tree which was only a few yards away from the truck survived. This tree gives me hope, that no matter the challenge, I can survive.

This is a statue right outside the memorial park itself, less than a block away from where the truck exploded.


Here are a few pictures of the chairs symbolizing each victim of the blast.

The chairs were different sizes to symbolize the different ages of the victims. They were all specifically placed in the courtyard based on where they were anticipated to be during the explosion.

This is the memorial fence that is still there today.

Below are some pictures of the memorial at night. I also went through the museum adjacent to the park memorializing the site. Experiencing the museum was such a moving/sobering experience, I felt as though I relived the event. I hope to never see the likes of this type of event in my lifetime again.

The bomb went off at 9:02 am, the two pillars on each side of the park symbolize life before and after the bombing.

A new incredible sport!

Check this video out, I think I would have to change my pants afterward, but it would certainly be an incredible jump of a lifetime!

Lots and Lots of Ice

A few weeks ago, Kentucky was hit especially hard by an ice storm. I came across this blog and thought it was so well done I wanted to share. Check it out...

1st Annual Ghetto Bar Bus Tour!

As I mentioned in a previous blog, I had a late night Saturday night. My friends and I rented a bus here in town and went to visit as many ghetto bars here in Sioux Falls as possible. The bus we were in fit with the event, as it struggled with some of the hills here in town due to transmission problems. For a while, I thought we might have to push (or get out and walk) since we were moving at parade speed. Overall, it was great fun making stops at the following locations:
Top Hat
Sids
Tomy Jacks
Little Colinga
Hi Ho
Silver Moon
Brass Rail
Log Cabin
Bucks
Shananigans
Here are a few pictures...

What am I thinking here? Anyone want a cracker?

Anyone for a little Steel Reserve?

Anyone going on a trip somewhere warm anytime soon!? I travel cheap...hell I even fit in the overhead bin!

Winter Flying...

The winds were relatively light this weekend here in Sioux Falls, and that coincided with my weekend off (how that happened I will never figure out). On Saturday, I tried to fly but mother nature had other plans since the winds were just a bit too strong to fly. There was on opportunity to fly Sunday morning, but there was no chance of flying since I had a late night Saturday night (another blog entry in itself). I woke up late (yes I got to sleep in) and had trouble finding crew, so I crewed for Devin Sunday afternoon. Duane and Devin flew out of Tohmar Park, and Stan took off in nearby Spencer Park. Hopefully the opportunity will present itself again soon, it would be great to get the first flight of 2009!

Duane and Devin shortly after takeoff.

Devin hanging by the trees.

Frye and Homer Visit!!

Frye and Homer came and spent a few days in Sioux Falls while Jeff and Jen were off visiting Washington DC. I was on mids at the time so we didn't get to spend as much time together as I would have liked, but we still had fun. Below are pictures of Frye spinning and Homer demonstrating his dance moves...

New Garbage Disposal

After my old garbage disposal completely corroded through and started leaking, I decided to replace it. Take a look at the old one...makes you wonder, what the heck am I eating?!