Imagine It's 1929...

Is that Eddie Rickenbacker?

...and you're flying right seat in a Ford Tri-Motor...that's what I did today in Howell, Michigan.

the cockpit controls...really made me want to be pilot in command again...

Boy was that fun...didn't have quite the emotional impact on me this year as it did last year, but that makes sense...I've processed the consequences of deciding to walk away from a career in aviation 30 years ago...I've made my peace with all of that...so today was just flat out fun.

It's such a beautiful plane, and such a pleasure to fly in it...I'm currently checking for loose change in my couch cushions and car seats, hoping to scrounge up a million dollars so I can buy one of these beauties...gonna hafta sell a lot of books to afford my favorite form of transportation.

This was a model 4-AT and it's the actual plane used in the Johnny Depp movie "Public Enemies"...

Slightly smaller than the 5-AT we flew in last year, but it still handles a pilot and nine passengers comfortably...

every seat is a window seat...

The Livingston County Airport in Howell is a very nice little airport...modern and well maintained.

Plus, there was a beautiful blonde waiting there for me:

All in all a very enjoyable day...looking forward to my next flight.

Turning to the rapidly disappearing summer, it is officially time to panic...today is July 16th, so we are past the halfway point of "meteorological" summer (as opposed to astronomical summer).

Our backyard is in full, glorious bloom right now, so I'm feeling a true sense of urgency to make the most of each spectacular summer day...

love this view of the pool and flowers...

time to trim again...fountain is almost covered now...

the hidden part, behind the grape arbor...

the sitting area...

Better enjoy it while we can...Autumn is warming up in the wings, ready to dance across the stage when summer takes its final bows...

Later, mcm fans...

* Crass Commercialism Corner *

In the "so convenient you can't stand it" department, you can purchase my books on Amazon.com and Createspace.com!  I promise* you'll be a better person for it!

[* some exclusions apply including the promise you'll be a better person.  not valid in certain solar systems.  see the Bhagavad Gita for details.]

Get your ebooks here:

Papa's Model T: The Genesis 

Papa's Model T: The Rescue 

Papa's Model T: The Long Count 

Papa's Model T: The Gray Ghost

Loved Of My Father 

When A Cardinal Appears 

Get your paperback versions here:

 Papa's Model T: The Genesis

Papa's Model T: The Rescue

Papa's Model T: The Long Count 

Papa's Model T: The Gray Ghost 

Loved Of My Father

When A Cardinal Appears

Thank you!