CH-53E Super Stallion

On Thursday while waiting for a flight in Lexington, KY I was treated to two Marine CH-53E's taking of from the airport reminding me of the good old days!

The CH-53E Super Stallion, the Marine Corps' heavy lift helicopter, is one of the few helicopters in the world configured with 3 gas turbine engines and in-flight refueling. The CH-53E is a larger version of the CH-53 Sea Stallion, and the largest helicopter in the U.S. military inventory. It is used to transport personnel and equipment, lift heavy loads and conduct minesweeping missions. The Air Force version, equipped with sophisticated electronic countermeasures systems, is used for long-range delivery and resupply of special operations forces and combat rescue missions.

Anniversary Japanese Maple

Beth surprised me this weekend with a Japanese Maple for my anniversary present.

Japanese Maple are one of the most versatile trees for any yard, patio or garden. Often grown for its unique 7-palmed green or red colored leaf, the maple also has an interesting growth habit with a fine leaf texture and muscular-looking multiple trunks. Japanese maples have extraordinary fall colors that range from bright yellow through orange and red, and is often striking, even on trees grown in total shade.

Height: 15 to 25 feet Spread: 15 to 25 feetCrown uniformity: symmetrical canopy with a regular (or smooth) outline, and individuals have more or less identical crown formsCrown shape: round; vase shape

Alabama "The Boys From Fort Payne"

Returning from Huntsville AL Wednesday took me through the small town of Fort Payne, AL home of the singing group Alabama.

This is a picture of the monument just recently dedicated in the city park of the group.

Tuesday, November 15th, 2005 Alabama's induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame caps one of the most astounding success stories in American entertainment. With a career that to date has resulted in 21 gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums, 42 number one singles and over 73 million records sold, Alabama has received over 150 industry awards including 8 country music "Entertainer of the Year" honors, 2 Grammys, 2 People's Choice Awards and their very own star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame." They were named the "Artist of the Decade" by the Academy of Country Music in 1989 and "Country Group of the Century" by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1999. Theirs is an amazing career, stretching across more than two decades and for three of the guys, it's been more than 30 years.
In the late '60s, cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry discovered they shared a common interest in music. Joined by Jeff Cook, they started playing on a regular basis. Working their day jobs and playing any place they could locally in the evenings, the ìboys in the bandî used what limited spare time they had to compose and practice their unique style of harmony. In 1973 coupled with Randy Owen's graduation from Jacksonville State University the band said goodbye to their daytime jobs and part-time weekend gigs. Bravely, "Wildcountry", as the band was formerly known, left their Lookout Mountain and Fort Payne roots to hone its burgeoning talent on the club scene in coastal South Carolina and the surrounding area.

For more visit: http://www.thealabamaband.com/bandbios.html

View From My Hotel Room

Here's the view from my hotel room.

The hotel was a few blocks from the Hollywood Bowl!

The Encounter Restaurant and LAX

The Encounter Restaurant has reopened at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The restaurant, located in the Theme Building -- the familiar LAX landmark with the space age appearance -- had been closed since March.

The Theme Building, with its 135-foot high parabolic arches, has been the most recognizable landmark at LAX since its opening in 1961. In 1992, the Los Angeles City Council designated the Theme Building a City Cultural and Historical Monument. Situated near the center of the airport terminal area, the building itself is still undergoing repairs.

Los Angeles International Airport--started as ranch and agricultural land. It became Mines Field in 1928. Right away, air races were held there and tens of thousands of people came out to see Charles Lindbergh and other pilots land on the dirt runways.

Commercial airliners didn't use the Los Angeles airport until 1946, when they moved their operations from Burbank.
Jet service came in 1959, and the current terminal complex was laid out in 1961, with the $2.2 million dollar Theme Building as a centerpiece. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson dedicated the new terminal that year

Lake Havasu

The abundance of dams along the Colorado River creates a number of large lakes in arid, regions of the Southwest where large, natural bodies of water are nonexistent. These lakes provide unique recreational opportunities and offer an exceptional contrast to the scenic desert landscapes that surround them.
One of the most popular and interesting lakes along the Colorado River is Lake Havasu, well-known for one particular historic point of interest, the London Bridge. The London Bridge is one of the main attractions at Lake Havasu that sets it apart from other desert playgrounds.
More than 2.5 million visitors flock each year to shores of Lake Havasu to enjoy the scenery, the cool waters of the lake and abundant recreational activities. Water sports, hiking, off-road opportunities and cultural and natural history are some of the attractions that draw visitors year round.

Biggest iPod Sign

I saw this while driving in Hollywood last week. Made from a material that allows folks living and working in this building to see out their windows this iPod sign covers one side of the entire building!

Hollywood High School

Built in 1905, six years before the area's first film studio began operations, Hollywood High was nicknamed "The Star Hatchery" in 1936the year Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Lana Turner, Marge Champion, Nanette Fabray and Alexis Smith were all on campus at the same time.

Hollywood High, one of the most famous high schools in the world, began in the early 1900s, flourished in the 1930s and 1940s, and has weathered the subsequent decades.

For more about kids from the Star hatchery visit: http://www.nndb.com/edu/695/000079458/

Hummingbird House

Several weeks ago while visiting a CVS I bought this bird house for a $1.50 on sale and hung it in one of our backyard oak trees.

It seems we have Hummingbirds renting it as I've seen them going in and out for the past two weeks. Maybe we'll have a family!!

Pink Flamingo!

Yesterday was our yearly trip to Stone Mt Park to attend the Yellow Daisy Festival.

Beth and I love shopping all the different booths for unique Christmas gifts!

I found a Pink Flamingo for the garden from Florida Dancing Birds at www.floridadancingbirds.com . It gracefully moves in the wind. I may order another, lol!

For more on the Yellow Daisy Festival visit: http://www.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=14

Waiting For A New Roof!

Sunday evening and the grass is cut and edged, bushes trimmed, trash out and flag flying!

It's off to LA Monday.

Lucy Goosy!

Aunt Mary and Laura are causing me to buy a cement lawn goose, lol!!!

I have found several dealers in the Atlanta area that sell them. I also found several clothing dealers by doing a goggle search, see http://www.lawngoosedesigns.com/store.php

Watch for pictures of my goose soon!

Belwood Super Snax!

The best little restaurants in all of Canada is Belwood Super Snax in Belwood Ontario!

Homemade food. Full menu from several choices of all day breakfasts through to Steak, wraps, stir frys etc. Home baked pies. Good service. Friendly, comfortable and clean atmosphere. Open year round. Beside Belwood Lake with boating in summer, snowmobiles in winter. A great place to dine and relax.

Has received Eat Smart Award 2 years running.

I give them five stars!

Downtown Belwood Ontario

I have been oftened asked what the town of Belwood Ontario were my parents live looks like, well here it is!

This picture was taken at the height of the noon hour traffic rush to get into Belwood Snacks.

Belwoods one gas pump/grocery store to the right and to the left is Belwood Snacks and the lake!

It's a wonderful town.

Ian and Linda's Back Yard.

Uncle Dave's retiement BBQ was held at Ian and Linda's beautiful home in Guelph Ontario. Their back yard is the envy of this struggling back yard designer!!!

I took lots of pictures and pilfered many good ideas!

Thanks Ian and Linda for a wonderful time!

Brotherly Love!

Here's William and Jack exchanging brotherly love during Uncle Dave's retirement BBQ!

William is paying Jack back for more than a few past indiscretions, lol!

Retirement!

Uncle Dave retired last week with a reception and BBQ with family and friends.

Here's from L/R Mike, Mark, Laura, Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary.