Flying high...

One of the benefits of working contract jobs is all the interesting folks you run into. Roger Ryon is one I met while doing my stint at Regence. A fairly unassuming cat, Mr. Ryon has what you might call an active and creative outside life....one that includes a wildly colorful plane that he likes to fly now and then. Yesterday, he took me for a ride.

Sporting the psychedelic colors of the Black Rock Travel Agency (Roger's a Burning Man vet), we took off from Troutdale airport and flew south amidst high clouds and fair weather. From 5000+ feet we could see from Mt. Rainer to Three Sisters.

The engines hummed with a rhythm that oscillated through the cabin...a vibration that Roger closely monitored and adjusted - while he pointed out the various sights and landmarks. I held maps, took photos, and even cobbled together a metal twist-tie - to help stabilize the throttle when it started to slip slightly.

We followed a 1.5 hour path full of local airports....Aurora, McMinnville, Hillsboro, St. Helens - and finally back to Troutdale.

Looking forward to the next time in the air...

Fathers Day

It's been a good morning. Alex is back from a trip to Denver....Greer is rambling through the house, leaving a small path of chaos in his wake, and I am soaking up a little Father's Day relaxation; sitting on the couch and reading the morning paper. While breakfast was being devised, I sat and read VeggieTales with Greer until he wanted to go build a block castle. Our boy was keen on remembering Father's Day this year by giving me a fantastic drawing of the two of us shopping for groceries - with a bonus sketch of Mom on the flipside. Before we got out of bed, the Greermonster brought in the Father's Day gift he made at school. A one-of-a-kind rock that he had colored. Priceless.

Around lunchtime, we'll head over to Beaverton with Windy and Chris to celebrate F-Day with Windy's side of the family. My folks would usually be in town, but they're enjoying a much deserved cruise in Alaska. Dad called from Scagway this morning with Father's Day greetings....they are off to Denali National Park in the next two days.

This evening, I plan to extend my F-Day benefits with a viewing of Game 5 of the NBA Finals. I'm fully expecting L.A. to pull out a win tonight, so Boston can go home and win it all. Whether they win tonight or next week....the Celtics are a lock.

Incidentally, "From One Rose" will be playing this afternoon on KOIN 6 - our first broadcast of the program. Mike Donahue is hosting the screening, which will run uncut with commerical breaks.....some of which will include a plug for the DVD. Hopefully, we'll see a spike in interest - and maybe the beginning of an annual broadcast tradition.