Sunday Aviation News

Instead of my pictures today, I want to direct you to one of my favorite blogs.
It's easy reading but has some very important information we all need to consider.  I'll have a few pictures up here later.

Well Said

"I love you."

I believe that our entire existence is in that statement.  If there is a phrase that carries more punch in every way imaginable, I can not conceive of it.    

I heard it again tonight. Yes, from those from whom I am accustomed to hearing it. But also...

Kenny has been my neighbor for 11 years. He is a man I like, admire and respect a great deal. He has been having some health challenges recently, so I suggested that my daughter come with me to deliver some special treats she made, and to say hello. As soon as the rest of my family heard where we were headed, they said they were coming along.

I phoned ahead to make sure we wouldn't be intruding, and Kenny was waiting at the door for us with a smile. I'm sure he sensed why we were all there, so it didn't take long for him to give us an update on his situation. And his situation is not good.  He faces some difficult days in the near future, and his days here may be quite limited.

The conversation was serious, but not somber. That wouldn't be Kenny.  He asked with genuine interest about how school was going for my kids young adults, and we enjoyed chatting about our dogs.

When it came time to leave, we all rose and embraced him, one by one. When I did, I told him, "I don't know what to say, but always remember we are just a few seconds away if you need anything."


The reality of it was, I did know what to say. But the conscious, careful, "grown-up" part of my mind just stopped me.  I didn't have the courage.  


But Kenny didn't let anything stop him.  He sent us all home with these words:


"I love you."


May God grant Kenny many more wonderful days, and the rest of us his wisdom and courage.

Sunday Photos 02/12/12

Visions of days ahead to help warm your winter Sunday.

Still working on my invention to have these emit small amounts of ultraviolet light to help treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, so you'll just have to think pleasant thoughts.

Thanks, Dennis

  If you live in or around Northeast Kansas you probably heard the sad news about the recent Alzheimer's diagnosis of our former Congressman and District Attorney, Dennis Moore.

  Dennis is one of those people that truly put public service ahead of any personal ambition.  He was a leader in genuine efforts to reach across the aisle to his political opponents, to try to bring people together to solve our common problems.

  If you are interested in sending a personal message of thanks or encouragement to Dennis, you can do so via this address:  thankyoudennis@yahoo.com

Here's what I wrote:

Congressman Moore,

  I am writing today to thank you for the way you have dedicated your life to your neighbors here in Kansas.  Your public service made a real difference in peoples lives.  I considered it a pleasure and a privilege to have volunteered in a small way on all of your congressional campaigns.

  I was saddened to read of your recent diagnosis, but at the same time I was heartened by your response to it.  Great days still lie ahead for you and Stephene.  

  My mother is also an Alzheimer's patient.  We find comfort in the following passage form 2 Corinthians. I hope that you do as well.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  

¹ For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

Sincerely,

Tim L


Join the fight. http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp

Sunday Photos 02/05/12

West Bottoms, Kansas City, Mo

Local Charm (and a blast from my past)

Had some time to myself today, so I went wandering, camera in hand.  I ended up driving around the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC), a place where I spent many wonderful visits as a boy watching the planes come and go.  And I finally took the time to visit the National Airline History Museum there.

Despite the grand sounding name, it's a volunteer run organization that began 25 years ago when a group of guys decided to restore a Lockheed Constellation to flying condition.  They named their group "Save A Connie". The organization expanded and now also owns a Martin 404, DC 3, and an L-1011.  The Connie has been grounded for several years due to some engine issues, but they hope to have it and the DC3 back in the air before long.

The museum itself doesn't really live up to the name, but it's worth a visit anyway.  The volunteers are very friendly and knowledgeable, and hey, there are big airplanes to see up close!

L to R: Martin 404, DC3, Constellation

Martin 404. (SAC stands for Save A Connie)

Lockheed Constellation

This shot is of the tail of the L-1011 where the engine used to be. This aircraft is not available for up close viewing right now, as it is parked on the airfield side of the fence.

There are also a couple of interesting non-airplane items at the museum.

This "rocket ship" is a smaller version of the one that greeted visitors at the entrance to Tomorrowland at Disneyland in California.  This rocket sat atop TWA headquarters in downtown Kansas City for many years.

And finally, the most recent addition to their collection, one my old ATC buddies will recognize immediately.

Yes, that's a real radar scope (Plan Video Display, if you want to get technical) that was used at the Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center in Olathe.  Perhaps even by me.

More pictures form my day out in KC next time.  

Lost and Found

I hear plenty of things on the radio at my current job that are fairly depressing, but every now and then I get to laugh.

A couple days ago officers were dispatched to a store where a suspected shoplifter was being chased by store security.  Officers were still en-route to the store when this additional information was relayed to them:

"Loss prevention officers have stopped chasing the suspect, a white male, no shirt, tan shorts, last seen headed south behind (local business). They do however have the merchandise and his wallet."

I don't think it will take the detectives long to crack that case.