LV FAST

LV FAST. This was the plate on a Mustang I passed on my way home from the Lake Wales skydiving center. My inspiration comes from all over. Friends, family, strangers, license plates - you name it. My cousin, Randy, and his girlfriend, Carol, were visiting from NYC for an annual boogie. That's when people come from all over to skydive.

This is Randy preparing to land after a helicopter jump from about 4000 feet.

Randy and Carol learning a formation.

Above, the CASA (aircraft) being loaded and skydivers repacking their chutes to the left.

OMG - my first helicopter ride. I was sitting next to the pilot when my cousin snapped this "too close" photo. But I had to prove I did it otherwise I wouldn't have used the picture. The helicopter didn't have any doors and there were three skydivers cramped into a very small space behind me - Randy, Carol, and one other guy. The other guy was the last one to exit and it made the helicopter jerk as he left because of the unbalance. I screeched. The pilot laughed. He said he goes home every day to tell his wife he made women scream. Everyone's a comedian.

An aerial view of Lake Wales, FL taken from the open cockpit of the helicopter!

Randy standing on the skid and WAITING to have his picture taken before falling backwards. WOW - it was crazy. A good crazy though. If you double click on the picture, you will be able to see me in Randy's sunglasses. LV FAST.

Car Tunes

Don't you just love it??? The name of the business that installed my satellite radio is Car Tunes. Too clever. Anyway, the first cut is the deepest (my car tunes!). First Jason popped out the tailight to install the antenna which required a little hole for the wire. That wasn't too bad. I didn't start to freak out until he disassembled the front of the car - yikes!!! So now I am all hooked up in the house, on my computer, and my car for satellite. I wouldn't leave home without it. Jason is located almost at the intersection of 60 and Lithia Pinecrest and I highly recommend his services. My Ipod even works with this setup!!

When I wanted to put the bike rack on the back of the corvette, I relied on computer articles describing how it was done. I am writing this blog to let anyone know that wants satellite radio in their corvette (but doesn't want the unsightly antenna on the outside) that it can be put on the inside. Plus, who needs to advertise with an outside antenna that they've got a satellite radio on the inside? Jason is awesome!!!

Canoe Redux Etc

We're only on day nine of the new year but already I've been canoeing, played in a 3-day Scrabble tournament, and attended opening night of a play at Jobsite Theater.

We started out the new year exactly as we did last year by canoeing down the Hillsborough River. We didn't see any gators this time but that's not to say that wild life didn't exist (ahem). In fact, a woman in red heels with red hair sitting in a red canoe is a very common sight on this river.

Next stop - Port Richey, FL. I roomed with my friend, Sue, from Wisconsin. Cindy and I got together Saturday for an evening at the Crab Shack dancing the night away. This is supposed to be the largest tiki bar in the south and it really is a cool place. Oh, yeah, and I played 24 games of Scrabble, too! Here's a couple of pictures of the higher level players and one of their boards since I have nothing impressive of my own to share!

And last, but not least, Tom and I before we left for the theater last night. I bought Tom the book with the play in it for Christmas (and one for myself) so that we might enjoy it more and we did. The play, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" was written by Steve Martin (yes, the comedian) and took place around 1904 at a bar in Paris. Picasso meets Einstein with a few more surprises. It was very entertaining. Can't wait for MY encore...

Happy New Year!!!!

Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg
Met my old lover in the grocery storeThe snow was falling Christmas EveI stole behind her in the frozen foodsAnd I touched her on the sleeve
She didn't recognize the face at firstBut then her eyes flew open wideShe went to hug me and she spilled her purseAnd we laughed until we cried
We took her groceries to the checkout standThe food was totaled up and baggedWe stood there lost in our embarrassmentAs the conversation dragged
We went to have ourselves a drink or twoBut couldn't find an open barWe bought a six pack at the liquor storeAnd we drank it in her car
CHORUS:We drank a toast to innocenceWe drank a toast to nowWe tried to reach beyond the emptinessBut neither one knew how
She said she'd married her an architectWho kept her warm and safe and dryShe would've liked to said she loved the manBut she didn't like to lie
I said the years had been a friend to herAnd that her eyes were still as blueBut in those eyes I wasn't sure if ISaw doubt or gratitude
She said she saw me in the record storeAnd that I must be doing wellI said the audience was heavenlyBut the traveling was hell
CHORUS
We drank a toast to innocenceWe drank a toast to timeLiving in our eloquenceAnother auld lang syne
The beer was empty and our tongues were tiredAnd running out of things to sayShe gave a kiss to me as I got outAnd I watched her drive away
Just for a moment I was back at schoolAnd felt that old familiar painAnd as I turned to make my way back homeThe snow turned into rain