Chazd's (Charles Dowdell's) News Burps

We are back from our Thanksgiving vacation 2021. We spent most of the time in Ireland and then to cap it off we participated in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. It was 7 hotels different hotels in 8 days. We spent one night on the plane of course. I drove 1300 km in Ireland and North Ireland, concentrating on what side of the road I should be on and uttering my self-talk -- "Lefts are easy. Rights are hard". The Parade People ask us... "How did you get the opportunity to walk in the Macy's day parade?" It was in the works for a few months. Angie works at Macy's and they sent out a corporate email canvassing for volunteers. She applied and then again applied for me being a family member. We were eventualy approved for the role we asked for --"Banner Carrier". Neither one of us have any parade experience, nor band, nor theatrical, nor anything to do with "entertainment". We thought being in this incredibly iconic American event ...

At my monthly aviation breakfast at the EAA 690 hanger at KLZU we had a tribute to veterans (makes sense it was veterans day this week). Several of my friends accepted the tribute. Some were flying B-52s, others were submariners. Many of them saw action in Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf wars.

NO CRASH. Some content needs no intro at all. Hopefully, it is still there when you watch. 1.) 10 degrees flaps 2.) Flight Controls check. 3.) Brakes Full 4.) Full power. 5.) Yoke full back. 6.) Brake release. 7.) Climb at 55kts. 8.) Stay in ground effect. 9.) What could go wrong? The pilot did it all per the per the POH (Pilot Operating Handbook) and no crash. Perfect! -Just read the instructions-

Been working on the house as usual. I am moving heating/cooling duct work around in the basement for better use of space and better HVAC. I have to get it done. I can't heat the house until its done. Its pretty dusty work. Besides that, doing practice approaches. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/N733XE/history/20211024/1256Z/KLZU/KAND

We are back in Georgia this week. I gave an eulogy at my Father's memorial last week. I am very glad I was able. I will not be at the interment. I made something I wanted to make for many years. It is simple and practical and there are no decent commercially available options. It is a spray paint can shaker. Very convienient, screwed to the side of one of my work benches. Angie and I flew to South Carolina for fun. The little plane that landed after me has a tail number ending with "DE". That is for Dale Ernhardt. Look close and you can see the signature on the tail.

My Father passed away this week. Rest in Peace. https://www.lewisfuneralhomemoorestown.com/obituaries/Victor-Dowdell/#!/Obituary

Arachiphobia-- Joro Spider Edition The Joro spider has made it's grand debute in our back yard. At first I confirmed the spiders were Joros with the University of Georgia. The first picture was confirmed as a juvenile female. The second picture I grabbed off the net showing what they're really like---large and very scarey. Their appearance is one thing, but there are other notable characteristics. The webs are large, deep and sticky. They are considered 3-D. They have facets of typical spiral webs all connected. The size is immense compared to other spiders around here in North Georgia. The web can easily span 10 or more feet. The filiments are incredibly strong and clingy. You find out how strong the filiments are when you walk into them. For additional amusement, the Joro's webs are often built at human face level. Yes, that's right. That big scarey spider in a large gooey web (built overnight) at face level just right for walking into. Great experience. These Joros...