It's good to have Friends

I have good friends. That is not a light statement to make. There are rules to friendship and responsibilities. I accept them whole heartedly. On occasion, friends can help you out of a spot of depression or worry or whatever just by listening, being available, advising or even, if needed, to whack you between the eyes and say get your stuff together and fly right. Sage advise seems to be the most prevalent. I include my friends in my extended family, as I have related in a previous post, it is a marvelous amalgamation of in-laws, outlaws, saints and sinners. I would not trade them for the world.

I have them in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Colorado, California and places I can't remember. I'm not bragging per se, as I am sure everyone has family and friends spread from the south 40 to beyond. I'm just saying that this "Group" is special and dear to me and it makes me feel lucky to have them.

I don't know the criteria involved in getting these wonderful folks enmeshed in my extended family, I just know it happens. Whether they are children of friends, old school mates and their familys, people I met in the service, or friends of my bride and her family, past neighbors, they have all just merged into the Prairiedog Party. Good listeners, readers, thinkers, merriment makers, erudite wits, gourmands, pert and perky, crusty and stubborn, but not a mean bone in their bodies.

I know that all are intelligent, caring, happy people. We all seem to enjoy each others company, but can be apart for long spells and pick up right where we left off. There are some that do not know or have met many of the others, but I'll bet my best bottle of wine, that they will click when they do meet and I hope they all meet sometime.

I had the unique and most wonderful pleasure this weekend. I climbed into a helicopter for the first time in 23 years and went for a tour of my hometown neighborhood and golf course. But the most amazing part was the trust of longtime friend, Greybeard. I admit I was nervous, my bride was nervous and more than awed at Greybeard's generosity.

The feelings I experienced were awesome. I was surprised I was able after a few tries to fly semi-straight and in trim. I was able to hover though landing was tougher than I remembered. Seeing my neighborhood from 500' AGL was great, even though Flame said she didn't see much of the neighbors as she was just checking that all our shingles were on. She loved every minute of the flight, but was disconcerted in turns at how vulnerable she felt. She wants to go again.

I was flooded with memories and that above all else was ..... mind-blowing, I can't express how wonderful it was to relive and experience flying again after such a long absence. I guess I'm just going to have to find a way to get back in the saddle.

Greybeard, Thank you. I have more to say but will save it for your next RON and over some suitable libations.