The moments I’ve thought about our group could fill up an aux tank. My thoughts are like con trails hanging across the horizon, suspended across the what was to the will be, blowing up from a slender thread to a cat tail of fluff, or the etch a sketch disappearing into memory. Our commonness, that love of flight, the concern for others sharing the sky, the willingness to promote even the curious is what binds us hip to hip, hand to heart. Yes, the group identity has slid off the radar, handed off to another facet of a busy life. Yet if we all were to scratch a little deeper there would be that treasure buried in the beach of time.
My apologies for not writing sooner. I had the unfortunate experience of being hit and run over by a truck Sept 24th in Moab, UT. I had just returned from Wings Over Marin, come off of a great hike and climb and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It took a month to get walking again. The lingering injury is a smashed wrist with possible surgery to look forward to. I have to be the luckiest person on earth; it could have been a tragic report. No wind in my sails, no wings in the sky but a profound appreciation for the life we live. Lots to celebrate this holiday season and adventures to dream for the new year.
As long as we’re getting the bad news over with first, Nina Ortega and Len Ball have had their stampede of ill fortune. Len was diagnosed with stomach cancer and has been through the wringer. Please go to the web site ‘CaringBridge.org‘ and search for Leonard Ball. You have to register first, but it’s a great way to stay in touch. You can read how things are going and most of all send your thoughts and wishes to them. When life gets one down, so low, it’s the friendship that eases the pain. (They’ve been without electricity for 11 days!) Nina and Len had moved up to Siskiyou County a few years ago but still made time to come back and visit. We got to see Nina earlier this year at Kitty’s memorial. She had the most wonderful, wacky stories about her chickens. I never knew they could be such characters. Nina was featured in an AOPA article. Check it out! http://www.aopa.org/Membership/Member-News/2013/December/AOPA-Member-Mentored-by-her-Flight-Instructor-and-AOPA.aspx
Since flying is what we do best, it’s time to set up a calendar of flying adventures for 2014. Where have you been dreaming of going? What’s on the bucket list, no limits? Where did you want to return to for more fun? Since the holiday season is booked up let’s gather in January for some brain stormin.
Luncheon, Gathering and Flight Planning
January 12th, 12:00
Gnoss Field Pilots Lounge
Bring a dish to share
contact Cindy for details
Stay warm, get out and enjoy this gorgeous weather, take to the air and hope to see you early next year! Thanks for all your support.
Cindy Pickett
Marin County 99s 