All Clear

Looks like the fire stayed away from us this year, YAHOO! Many have already seen this NASA picture, but thought I’d share it anyway--pretty cool.

Here is a reference to the photo above: (our house is by the “Magic” fire...)

More Fire

The fire has hit closer to home in Stevenson Ranch about 2 miles north of here. Evacuation is possible within the evening depending on the wind. Paul, Kyle, and I went to the top of the hill to take spectacular pictures of fire drops: More Pictures

Here’s an example:

On Fire, Again

Southern California is on fire again. Malibu seems to be getting the worst of it for now, but just like a few years ago, after the wind shifts back to normal in a few days, it will work its way toward us, maybe. They just put a fire out that was not far from the home in Placerita Canyon (where Alicia and Casey used to live)! The helicopters were heroes in that one. Then they immediately moved back to Castaic, about 5 miles north of here. News at 11. Here are some more pictures.

Here’s a view from the backyard...

UPDATE: Kyle’s High School (West Ranch HS) is now threatened.....he’s elated

Continued Requirements for Kyle

Along the lines of not falling for the popular sediments of global warming, et al, is popular speech. The words, “like,” “you know,” or “you know what I’m saying?” are imbedded into many peoples sentences these days because it’s popular. Thus I have some more required information for Kyle: required watching and listening...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCNIBV87wV4

Required Reading for Kyle

Although this is required reading for my son, Kyle, I thought I’d post it for others’ enlightenment.

Global Warming Delusions, by Daniel B. Botkin

Airbus A380 delivered today

In honor of the Airbus A380 being delivered today, here are some interesting videos:

Videos of A380

Blue Angle Speed

I had to share this high speed pass for its WOW factor...

Freeway Shut Down

About 2 miles from our house a major accident took place that shut I-5 down for hours (now days). Good thing I start a two week vacation today! Paul and Kyle used my motorcycle to take the detour on The Old Road to work which is about a mile past the wreck. Paul got caught in the traffic coming home from work last night--an 8 minute ride took 2 hours! People just parked their cars on the shoulder and left them after being stuck over 12 hours today. It’s odd seeing all the parked cars on the freeway near the house. It’s 1994 all over again!!! (earthquake...)

Talent Like This Must Be Exploited

Coast Guard at BUR

Nice change of pace at work with the C130 that dropped parachuters over the Coliseum today

Dinner with Bro and Gerard

Nothing like good times with family

Road Runner vs. Turtle

Back in my day, it was the Road Runner vs. the Coyote. Rabbit vs Turtle.

In Arizona in my parents back yard, things are a little different:

Found: Names for the grandchild...

Sandy and I had to pose with the names of our future grandchildren.



We need a Homer or Betty in the family.

Dead Sea Scrolls

A group of us traveled to San Diego today to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. It’s pretty amazing seeing documents over 2000 years old which confirm that translation errors over the centuries of the Bible were miniscule. The story of their discovery is quite interesting as well.

Our excursion in Balboa Park was fun as well. It brought back memories of taking baby Paul and Alicia to the museums in San Diego every Tuesday (the free day)--starting their progress of becoming geniuses.

Good times: (no cameras allowed in the exhibit.....)



Picture taken from 2 miles high....
John & Janie Street; Jess & Melissa Arnds; Wayne de Villiars with new baby; Pile kids, Sandy making face.

Lyle Shelton and Rare Bear

Many who know the Air Race circuit know that the Rare Bear won at the Reno Air Races this year. Paul and I went to the race in Sept 2005 (see pics). The picture below was taken by me of the Rare Bear after winning then as well.

Lyle Shelton was the owner (and earlier pilot) of Rare Bear till 2006. He, along with a few other area pilots, came to the tower this morning, and I was able to give them a VIP tour of the facility. It didn’t hit me till just before they left that he was THEE Lyle Shelton of Rare Bear fame. When the light went on in my brain, I stopped him, asked for a picture and autograph, and he complied graciously. Unfortunately the picture came out blurry, but, nevertheless, I got to meet legendary Lyle Shelton. To some of us aviation geeks, this is cool.