On DaRoad to AIBF–Day 29 and Counting

We left Liberal Kansas around 7:50, this morning. Susan has the first shift and I’ll have the second. For those of you, who may ask, what is there to do in Liberal? Well, Liberal is the State’s Home of Dorothy’s House. Along with a historical society house and museum. Both of which are a must see. Along with the Mid America Air Museum.

The museum is based at the original B-24 Liberator WW II air base. This based operated from 1942 to 1945 ish. The museum has bragging rights as the largest General Aviation Museum in Kansas.

Now, for those of you who read trip reviews, you will notice some people (guys) complaining about not going out on the tarmac. Well, this is all I have to say about that:

“To those that wait come good things.”

We stop in and were amazed at the general aviation airplanes and fixed-wings. Being retired from the Aerospace field, I was surprised at the quality of them. Walking around the history that is stored here. Truly amazing. We saw a 3 time world record holder, Fastest time in a straight line, covering over 5,000 miles. Planes that were ahead of there time, when produced. Small scaled planes used by the military, 2 of the smaller instrument flight simulators.

As we were getting ready to leave, we asked if a volunteer was available, as we did want to walk on the Tarmac and look at the 5 planes outside. Boy where we surprised, when the new museum general manager introduced himself and said he would escort us.

After introductions, Scott gave us a personal tour. As we walked around, he explained the many changes taking place and what they were expecting in the future.

One of the special planes on hand was Burt Rutan Starship Enterprise. Which you can read all about it:

HERE

This was the first Composite construction and an all glass cockpit display. I marveled at this, when the plane was introduced.



Now look how many commercial airplanes have the same things.

Another plane I marveled at was a Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing. You can read all about it:

HERE

This plane had been owned by a ranching couple (JR Ranch). After the couple passed away, the family decided to donate it to the museum.

Now, you are wondering why, I stated the quote? As we continued to walk and talk about the many aircrafts, Scott, asked, which airplane would you like to peak inside and even sit in. WOW, a big WOW.

Highlight? Burt Rutan’s and the Staggerwing of course. To sit in a plane with such advancement at the time and a luxury plane of the time.

I do have to say, if any of you come this way and have a week or 2 to spend, I would think about doing the time volunteering at the Mid-American Air Museum. As a volunteer, think about the many planes you could touch, look inside, feel with your hands and marvel at the many miles they traveled. Even just picking up a broom and sweeping the floor, you could gaze at the many planes.

My hat goes off to Scott and his wonderful knowledge of the many planes on site. A person that moved from Orlando, Florida to become the general manager? Museum Curator?

Mid-America Air Museum  
Website
Directions
4.213 Google reviews
Museum in Liberal, Kansas
Address: 2000 2nd St, Liberal, KS 67901
Hours:
Open today · 8AM–5PM
Phone: (620) 624-5263

So, as we leave Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas we bid a fond farewell and refuel for $2.39/gallon.

By the way, if you wonder how Liberal got it name, you can read all about it:

HERE 

And I thought, this is where all the LIBERALS came from.

Dale
DaGirls Travels
Aka Dakota & Tilly
Safe Travels and Journeyshttp://dagirlsrv.blogspot.com/
You Tube Video - Roadrunner Song

Day in the Life of Rv’ers at the Beach

I would post photos but that would really show you what Rv’ers do while parked at the beach.

So all I can you is tell you a few things:

1), install new lights

2), lay on the beach

3), shop in town

4), sit in chairs on the beach

5), make new flag pole holder

6), relax on the beach

7), go kaykaking in the bay

8), enjoy the beach

9), work on coach

10), sit in front of rig on the beach

11), make new tire covers for the Rv

12), place chairs on the beach

13), have a pedicure while on the beach

14), clean Rv

15), cook funny food

16), enjoy many happy hours

17), watch the sun come up

18), watch the sun go down

19), Grow Sun-Flowers on the beach

20), enjoy the many walks on the beach

21), meet many new people on the beach

Need I say or post anymore ?

Happy New Year and Passing of a Great Friend

So, here I am, in DaGirls Rv II, with Dakota and Tilly. 2017 has started out with a – not so great a bang. Well not really a small one. You see, one of my very good friend has passed away. 5 months from retirement. Andy Stramiello, who was only a year older then I am.

Andy was just one of those guys who never complained, especially when, we as men or women should. I will not go into great detail, but sad to say, it was like the movie “Perfect Storm”. Everything seem to work against him this pass week (Dec 23 – Dec 31). Andy’s condition deteriorated to the point that life for him would not be what he would have wanted. On Friday, family and friends gather and discuss what his life would be like. Elise may the ultimate decision, to suspend life support.

Services will be held this week, it is good that Susan is returning on Wednesday, in time for everything. 

On Saturday, many of us gather to rejoice in Andy’s life, marriage, children, and his career as a Aerospace Engineer. It was during the New year celebration, that the champagne was open to celebrate the New Year and Andy (9:00 MST) 12:00 EST that Andy passed on. He joined the many great golfers, family and friends in Heaven.

As I write this, I cannot remember the day we met. Somehow we ended up as a four-some and from that day on, we were enjoined. To play as many rounds as we could together, along with Jim. We were similar to the 3 Musketeers, we played together in the company tournaments. Went to Green Valley for the 2 days of golf and everywhere else. Even when there were no tournaments we would get together and play golf. 

While writing this, I started searching through my photos. I then realized that all the pictures, I had were on film. Due to issues, I loss most if not all of those photos. 

I cannot speak for the Family except to say, both Susan and I have face this same situation with the loss of a close one or friend. 

To all of you, who keep putting off retirement, stop what you are doing and think, Is this life really worth it ? All the while dreaming about retirement? Dreaming what you are going to do in retirement?

I cannot stress the importance, of this. Do whatever it takes to retire as soon as you can. Meaning even if selling your perfect home, down-sizing, eating hot-dogs and beans, to get out of debt.

DO WHATEVER IT TAKES, if you don’t, then you may miss out on the Greatness adventure of your life. 

For Wayne and Kathy, they are looking for this year to be a great year. Better then 2016.

For Elise, 2017 will be the year, that she loss the greatness love of her life.

Susan and I, be the best friends and lovers to each other.

Renew friendship, but with the understanding that we are now traveling in different circles. Those same friends, will now understand that friendship is more important to us then canceling an engagement and seeing a movie instead.

Safe Travels and Journeys 
Dale

6_2_16_Greenwood Topiary

A day in the Life of a Topiary
Definition: to·pi·ar·y: ˈtōpēˌerē/:
noun

• the art or practice of clipping shrubs or trees into ornamental shapes.
  
  • shrubs or trees clipped into ornamental shapes.

Ok, so what do I mean by Topiary? Well it is better to see then read:

Greenwood Topiary Festival 

Della always knows what to say.

"That's my story and I'm sicking to it"

“SeeYa, Safe and Happy Journeys”

"DaGirls Rv, Me, Della, Susan & Tilly"