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Another trip between Georgia and the New York farm

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Its unusual that I make the trip this late in the year. Although it is highly unlikely it would snow (and bring the road salt and all the other bad stuff). It is often rainy. I had excellent weather. The main objective was to bring the brush hog up and mow trails. The trails have been disapearing and there are a number of bush islands appearing everywhere a small finish mower can't do the job. The tractor worked well. Back up over a multiflora rose bush with the brush hog up and drop it down and take care of business --at least for another couple of year or so. I spent many hours years ago yanking these things out of the ground with tractor and chain which yields a more satisfactory long term outcome. I will be doing the same with the largest ones for sure. I understand that these bushes were originally planted as a natural fence. Animals and humans alike don't like the thorns. They are invasive.

Balkans 2021

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Our vacation planning is coming to fruition. We took a year off with Covid-19. But we are moving ahead. Here is the schematic of our current trip plans. Wish us luck. We are going to need it, 11 countries in 14 days. Christmas in a monestary in North Greece.

Thanksgiving vacation 2021

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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 ...

EAA 690 Lawrenceville GA

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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.

Crazy Takeoff on YouTube

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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-

Home Improvements and my Flightaware Tracking

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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

Spray Paint Shaker

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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.

Victor L Dowdell Jr.

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