Saturday was my first flight lesson.  I have to admit I was really nervous.  My stomach was all tied in knots and I even felt a bit light headed.  I think in some small way I was even trying to get out of it.  I'm glad I didn't.

I met Joe at the hangar and we spent about an hour doing a really thorough pre flight.  This gave me some time to relax.  I did tell him that I was really nervous about the whole hand propping aspect of Cub ownership.  He told me that was perfectly normal and that he would be worried if I wasn't scared of that.

We took off and flew south of Oshkosh and out of their airspace.  Joe went through turns using the rudder and not just the stick.  We talked about ascending and descending and what RPM's the engine needs to be at for those.  He had me do several turns and also talked about getting used to where straight and level is too. 

Then we headed back in.  The time had gone by really quickly and I realized I was pretty exhausted.  Must have been a bit of a adrenaline overload.

Once on the ground he took me through controlling the airplane on the ground with the rudder pedals.  That was an experience.  I had to be careful not to turn too much one direction and had to push really hard going the other because of the direction the wind was blowing.  I don't know how Joe could remain calm while I was all over the tarmac.  At least once I got REALLY close to the grass!  Yikes!

Anyway, I had a great time and am looking forward to my next lesson.  Joe is calm, cool and collected and VERY patient.  Thanks Joe!  =)

On Monday I received the package from Northwest Airlines I had been waiting for since the previous Wednesday.  The airline had called and said they had found a ring that matched my description.  I was so excited.  It's a miracle!, I thought.  I was devastated when I opened the package and knew immediately that it was not his.  From the side I could see the ring was way too large.  It was very similar to Greggs and did match my description, but it just wasn't his. 

On Wednesday I called NW to tell them it wasn't right and what should I do with this one?  The woman got off the phone for a moment and when she got back on I could hear the emotion in her voice.  She told me that the group there was just praying for me that it was the right ring.  She said that she knew it wasn't the same, but it was at least something and that I should just keep the ring.  Every time I had called I wasn't sure if I was talking to the same office or anything, but I realized I had been and that they were pulling for me too.

I am still continually amazed by the kindness of people, even strangers.  Like the woman on the plane who told me she'd be praying for me after I'd realized I'd lost his ring.  And the people who read Gregg's obituary and sent me cards even though they didn't know either of us, but were touched by his story.  This world is full of good people.

I'm still praying the ring will come back to me.

T

Last week I went to Virginia to spend some time with my sister and her hubby.  My little brother joined me for part of the time.  We had an excellent time. 

Went to the Charlottesville area where there are lots of little wineries snuggled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  We tasted our way around the countryside.  It is beautiful there.  So green and picturesque. 

My favorite vineyard this time around was Kluge Estate where we tasted their wine called Cru.  It is a chardonnay that is aged in an oak Jack Daniels barrel.  It is fantastic, sweet with just a tiny taste of whisky.  I don't even like whisky.

We visited Monticello, which is very pretty and interesting.  The history of the area is just so fascinating.  Our country is so young compared to others, but we do still have very rich history.

Next we did a whirlwind tour of Washington DC.  The three of us were dead on our feet at the end of the two days but we saw at least a weeks worth of sites.  Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Vietnam, Korean and WWII memorials.  The Capitol, Whitehouse, Library of Congress, Botanical Center, Air and Space Museum (my favorite) and last but not least, the Spy Museum (which is really fun). 

The next day Jer and I went to Williamsburg which is a really fun and historic place.

We toured lighthouses and went to the Neptune Fest where we saw amazing sand sculptures from artists as far away as Italy and even from Montana (?).

I hope that soon I'll get some pics from my sister and brother to post on here.  Silly me, I forgot the camera.  That was always Gregg's thing.

On a sad note, I somehow managed to lose Gregg's wedding ring off my finger on Sunday, the day I returned.  I've been calling the airports daily to see if anyone has turned it in.  I'm mourning over the loss of that and am desperate to get it back.  I don't know how it slipped off, as it didn't seem loose.  Perhaps some kind soul will find it and turn it in.  I'm praying for that.  I'm not ready to be without it.

T