AIR & ROCKET RACING SHOW

My life is anything but boring! And that my dear readers is an understatement!!

Saturday, April 24th, Tulsa had it's first Air & Rocket Racing Show. We picked up Oksana & Aric on Friday afternoon to spend Saturday and Sunday with us. We had bought tickets to this show several weeks ago.

As you can see the show ran from 9:30 to 5:00 with the main attractions beginning at 12 noon. We left the house about 10 thinking we would arrive around 10:30. WRONG! Seems close to 1,000,000 (yes, as in million) others had the same idea. Not only was the highway clogged with these other 999,996 people with the same idea but Tulsa is doing major construction work, ON THE WEEKENDS, on Highway 169. So we are in gridlock, moving about 2 miles an hour in our one lane of traffic, with vehicles flying by us on the lane that is closed ahead so they can not wait their turn and squeeze in up ahead of all of us patiently (?) waiting our turn. This cheating and squeezing in line is a MAJOR pet peeve of mine!!!! grrrrrrr Patience is a fruit of the Spirit we are reminding ourselves :o)

Finally, we get off HW 169 and onto E 56th Street North. Still bumper to bumper and hardly moving. We decide we need to park the car and walk to the Tulsa Air & Space Museum, where the event is taking place. We know it will be a long walk, but it seems to be the only solution to get there in time to see the main events. We have our folding canvas chairs in bags on our shoulders and the 4 of us begin walking, along with, I might add, lots of other people!!! We walk and walk and WALK and when we get to a large building which we thought was the museum we were wrong. I have to periodically stop, unfold my chair and rest a few minutes, then start again. We walk and walk and WALK to the next large building.......oops not the museum ...we are still not there. It is noon and we see the first plane in the air with the female space walker. One of the main attractions. Finally we tell Oksana & Aric to go on ahead and to meet us at 1:30 in the gift shop. They run on ahead and Mickey stays with me as I trudge along, walking, stopping, resting for a few minutes, walking again.

FINALLY we make it to the Museum. Guess what? The Museum itself is not open today, hence the gift shop is not open. How are we going to find these 2 kids?!! Even after we get to the entrance to the Museum we still have a good ways to walk until we get to the entrance where we present our tickets to enter the roped off area of the show. Praise God as we near the gate we see two very worried, and then relieved, faces of Oksana & Aric watching for us!!!!! Oksana said she kept asking people where the gift shop was and no one knew what she was talking about. I'm so thankful she had the presence of mind to know she'd have to find us when we entered the gate.

A great shot of one of the planes flying over.
(not my photo)



These two stood in L-O-N-G lines, first to get a big corn dog, a pop and then these ice cream cones. About an hour for the cones!!! A shorter line to get a large bag of caramel corn that we all shared and Mickey & I shared a pop.



Grandpa & Oksana


Lovely picture of me watching the planes flying over.....but at least it's proof I was there!!!



Another fly over shot that we took.

The show was fantastic and well worth the drive, the gridlock, and the walk. It was only the second public demonstration of a rocket powered airplane. They had 2 of them and they performed a lot of stunts and were amazing. The tail stream when firing had yellow coloring added on one and red on the other to distinguish them.

The next feature was the 2009 championship Glider flyer. Then they paraded and flew 16 vintage WWII air planes. It was awesome. They flew over many times for the applauding crowds.

The static displays

B51 Mustang


Jet engine of a fighter plane.

Oksana took the static plane pictures.

THEN about 3 o'clock Aric and I started on the L-O-N-G walk back. Again, I had to walk, stop, unfold chair, sit, rest, and then go again. We finally arrived back at the car at 4 o'clock. Boy, were we tired, and dehydrated!!! Mickey & Oksana arrived shortly after, even though they had started out later but did not have to stop.

Mickey & I had nothing to eat since the French Toast I had prepared for breakfast except the caramel corn and 1/2 a pop!!!! We stopped at the first decent restaurant we found, which happened to be a Waffle House, and the first thing I said to the waiter is: "Bring us water right away, please."

We've heard, on the news, that many people just gave up and went home. They are not refunding money for the unused tickets!!! The organizers are already planning for next years event, because of the huge success this was, and also acknowledging they have much work to do in the area of getting the large crowds in and available parking for all.

Tulsa is one of 20 museums vieing for one of the 3 Challenger Space Shuttles as a permanent display at our Air & Space Museum. All the proceeds from this event are going for that purpose. Tulsa actually has a great history of space aviation dating back to 1928 when Spartan Aircraft Company was formed and the Tulsa Municipal Airport was opened.

Four Astronauts were here for the show: Buzz Aldrin, John Herrington, Owen Garriott & Richard Garriott. Our long time State Senator,James Inholfe, flew his own Van's RV8 tandam two-seat, single-engine, low-wing aircraft in the show. He was instrumental in securing the B2 Stealth Bomber flyover for this show.

This is the 3rd year we have taken Aric to visit the Tulsa Air & Space Museum. Both grands were disappointed that the museum and planetarium were closed for this show as we had planned to visit them.

Even though these 72 & 77 year old grandparents were tired and worn out it was a wonderful outing and show and making lasting memories for these two special grands of ours is a joy and treasure to us.

Karate Master of Friendship award.

I was tagged by Tiffany of Southern Sass for the Karate Master of Friendship award.

Here are the rules for the award: - List 6 things you are a master in. - Pass it on to 6 bloggers you think are masters at friendship and make blogging awesome. Since I would never qualify in the karate, physical fitness category :o) I am going to focus on the aspects of friendship that I am good at.

1. I have the ability to pick friends who help me grow. This has been true of me even as a young child, as evidenced by the fact I have a "forever friend" I made when in the 2nd grade and we have been "friends who stick closer that a brother (sister)" all these 66 years. I truly believe the scripture "Iron sharpeneth iron" and I desire to be sharpened in my friendships.

2. I have the gift of being an encourager and will be your biggest supporter. This is especially true if I believe you are following Gods plan and purpose for your life. I want to see you succeed in that calling.

3. I am totally loyal and dependable. If I tell you I will do something, or be somewhere, you can count on it.

4. I am a good listener and have the ability to "hear" what is not being said, as well as the words coming out of your mouth.

5. I am a good enough friend to tell you my honest opinion when asked. I do not "sugar coat" things and will tell you if I think your action or conduct are out of line.

6. You can share your heart, problems, anything with me and know that I will never share it with anyone except my husband (I share everything with him and we have no secrets) and with God in praying for you.

I am tagging the following 6 friends: Kahri - Ginger - Kathy - Brenda - Maxine

& Denise


I look forward to reading all about you and what you are working to master in your life or have already mastered.

LAUS DEO - Do you know what it means?

LAUS DEO

One detail that is seldom mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.

With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. are displayed two words: Laus Deo

No one can see these words. Most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are there, and probably could care less.

Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. These words have been there for many years; they are 555' 5.125" high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Our of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God?"

Through construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo "Praise be to God!"

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with it's division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles I'Enfant....a perfect cross, with the White House to the north, Jefferson Memorial to the south, Capitol to the east, and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.

A cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. Praise be to God!

Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message.

On the 12th landing is a prayer by the City of Baltimore. On the 20th landing is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians. On the 24th landing is a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique republic "One Nation, Under God."

Washington's prayer for America was: "Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in They holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large..And finally that Thou will most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nations capitol, we will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look.

You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words:

"Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." Psalm 127:1

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

Mickey & I have been blessed to visit D.C. and climb those 898 steps and view the cross outline. To see and read the depictions of Moses on, and in, The Supreme Count building. We have commented that to take "God" out of everything they would have to tear down D.C. because it is everywhere in those hallowed buildings.

We are once again humbled and praying. Please join us.

PINEWOOD DERBY - Year 2

I'm sure all of you with a son or grandson are familiar with Pinewood Derbys.

The Royal Rangers held their annual Pinewood Derby Race last night.

Here is Aric's entry.


Aric, Marc & the usual, "don't want my picture taken" Oksana.

Aric & his dad taking in the action.

Deann & I watching from the other side.

Another with Oksana "hiding".

Aric's car last year won a 2nd place ribbon. His car this year did not win so naturally he was a little disappointed. As we told him, "There is always next year. Try and do better next year." A good learning opportunity that we can not always be the winners but we can always do our best and have a good time in the process.

The finish line


The starting gate.

Last year was a sleep-over with grandpa, Mickey, spending the night with Aric in a bedroll on the hard gym floor. Grandpa was very thankful the event this year was not a sleep-over!!!!

FAMILY TV - Let's Support it!!!!

Family TV is Back!

If you’ve been asking for the return of great television programming that the entire family can enjoy together – control is now in your hands.

Tomorrow, FRIDAY, APRIL 16th, NBC will air a two-hour action/adventure movie entitled Secrets of the Mountain, an edge-of-the-seat thriller that reminds us that when times are tough, families don’t run away from their problems - they run back to each other.

As the story unfolds, the characters display positive traits such as honesty and perseverance - things that moms are trying to pass on to their children. And best of all, it’s a story both kids and parents will enjoy.

To show that this type of entertainment is wanted and appreciated, we need 10 million families to tune in on Friday April 16th at 8/7C.

Please help spread the word! Email your friends and family about this exciting family-friendly movie airing on TV Friday, April 16th, on NBC!

SPRING IN OUR BACK YARD

Mickey's two bee hives.

If you remember them from last year they are taller now because he's added another super to compensate for the heavy flow of nectar and pollen. This also gives the bees more room to work in and hopefully more honey!!!!

Adding the final touches to the raised beds.

Planting 6 new strawberries in one of the 4' raised beds. He had already planted Kentucky Wonder pole beans along the metal webbing to the left.

Four planted one two to go!

The markers for his two rows each of Salad Bowl lettuce, Redhead lettuce & spinach. (one not in picture) These are in the 8' raised bed.

Four tomato plants. Two to produce in 52 days, one in 72 days & one in 82 days.

This 4' raised bed has green onions & radishes planted. You can see the radishes are already popping up.

One side of the strawberry bed behind our fence. These were planted last year.

The other side of last years strawberry bed.

Wish I'd have taken a before picture of these beds. They were covered with weeds and we spent several hours this morning weeding the bed. Just so happy they came back after the hard winter we've had. They have LOTS of blooms on them......Y-U-M!

S-O-S !!!! Can you see the 3 holes in the dirt?

Can you see the holes running bottom to top in this picture? I've posted these because some "thing" is getting into the yard and digging these holes. Mickey has no idea what it is. Do any of you have any idea or any suggestions as to what he can do about this?

Our covered with blossoms Snowball plant.

Spring & seed time with harvest to follow. What a wonderful time of year.

How many of you are planting a garden this year? What kind of things are you planting?

Simple Woman's Daybook #2

Outside my window . . . my back yard and the 3 raised garden spots my husband has begun planting in.

I am thankful . . .for the wonderful life I am being blessed to live and enjoy.

And I also am thankful . . . for my nice long phone call yesterday afternoon with my daughter, Jacque.

I am praying . . .for a great move of God across not only our nation, but the world.

I am thinking . . . I've got to get Mickey up so we can get to The King's Kitchen to prepare today's meal for 36 shut-ins.

I am creating . . . a prayer shawl for my daughter, Jacque

I am celebrating . . . my son, Marc's, marriage to Deann on February 12th with a family dinner, reception on Sunday at our daughter, Suzettes.

From the kitchen . . . not one thing yet!! Haven't even put the coffee on.

I am wearing . . .pj's of course because it is early.

I am reading . . .The Narrated Bible in Chronological Order and currently in Hoseas' Preaching.

I am hoping . . .the we have a nice, long Spring and don't go right into hot Summer.

I am hearing . . .nothing but the buzz of the computer running.

I am going . . .to the church by 9 to heat and package the meal we prepared last night for The King's Kitchen.

Around the house and yard . . . the beauty of spring in the yard. The house needing to be straightened & cleaned.

One of my favourite things . . .my blogs.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . picking up grandson, Aric and bringing him home to stay with us Wednesday, Thursday & Friday and his pinewood derby Friday evening.

A quote for today . . .The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Here is a picture thought I am sharing . . . Me in my scene in our 4 performance Drama from Good Friday to Easter called CHOICES.

More Simple Woman Daybooks can be found at Peggy's site.

MORE ON EMPOWERED21

Some events in our lives are life changing. I believe that attending Emplowered 21 is just such an event in my life.

We picked Wantha Ann up at 9:30 and headed to ORU as planned. We were all three eager and excited, especially after the wonderful opening session meeting of the congress we had attended the night before.

There were so very many speakers to choose from for the 3 sessions that day: 10:45 - 2:00 - 3:30. Mickey & I picked hearing Chuck Pierce speak on "Understanding the Times Through the Prophetic" at 10:45. Oh, what a treat to hear Chuck Pierce in person. I have read many of his articles on Elijah List and we had recently participated in his 28 Day Prayer focus.

Here are pictures of us outside the Howard Auditorium where he spoke.

The meeting ended at noon and as we were standing outside Brother Pierce walked up to us. Looked at Mickey's attendance badge to see where we were from and commented on our grey hair and that God was still speaking through us!!!! I asked him if Mickey could take a picture of him & I. He graciously asked the woman with him to take the picture of both of us with him.

We meet Wantha Ann, who had chosen a session on Fine Arts since she is an artist, and the 3 of us left the campus to have a lovely lunch together and catch our breath.

We got back to campus just in time for the 2:oo o'clock session. Our choice this time was "Ears to Hear (Hearing God's Voice Through the Noise of Culture". The speakers were Kelly Fellows and Jerry Dirmann from a Foursquare Church in California. We were not familiar with them and made our selection based on the topic which sounded so interesting. We were not disappointed. Kelly Fellows gave a brief story and then introduced Jerry Dirmann who gave absolutely the most moving, through explanation, all Biblically based, on truly hearing and obeying God Voice that we had ever heard. I have written his website about obtaining a cd or dvd of the program because it definitely is a teaching I would love to hear over and over again to truly get it down into my Spirit. If I ever get another chance to hear Jerry Dirmann speak you can be sure I'll be there!!!

We had to walk really fast to get to our the 3:30 session, which was clear back across the campus, and we were actually a few minutes late. This session was "Spirit Filled Publishing & Writing in the 21st Century" and the speaker was Ken Horn from The Pentecostal Evangel, a weekly publication of the Assemblies of God. He spoke of not only print writing but about blogs, FB, twitter, etc. Our Pastor Gary & wife, Paula, were also in this session.

We met up with Wantha Ann once again, who had run into our Music Minister Pastor Bobby and his wife, Dana. The five of us decided to leave the campus and shared a really good pizza at a place Wantha Ann knew about. We were having such a lovely time visiting and chatting that we barely made it back to the Mabee Center for the evening program.

The music, the messages by Ron Luce of Teen Mania, & Lou Engle of TheCall, and then the keynote message by Jentezen Franklin were wonderful. Jentezen's message was "CAN'T END THIS WAY" based on Ephesians 4:26 -32. This conference has been geared a lot to the young people and the next generation to step-up and take their places in the move of God. Jentezen, however, spoke of the importance for the "Old Pillars" to begin moving in prayer and fasting for so the glory will come back.

As we drove home we all 3 had heard so much and participated in such a moving service that we were spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically spent!!!! But, oh what a wonderful feeling.

We had planned to go back for another full day of three sessions and the final evening service but didn't because we were just so totally overwhelmed, and worn out.

If they hold this again next year you may be sure we will be in attendance and I would encourage any and all of you who can to come!!!!!!!

I know our lives are going to bear fruit from this conference and all we saw, learned, felt & participated in. PRAISE GOD!!!!