episode three: reunion
Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004, 1:10 PM

Part Three...Reunion.

Friday, we got up and went out to Homesteaders for breakfast, then visited the Scandinavian Center in town. Took a bunch of pictures of the Scandinavian buildings and the beautiful waterfall they have there. We also visited Roosevelt Park, where they have a great little old-fashioned zoo. It was a very pretty morning, and a great way to pass the time.

Having had a big breakfast, we skipped lunch and spent the afternoon swimming and napping. In the evening, we had the first of the reunion events--a steak cookout at the old squadron area.

The base was setting up for the airshow on Saturday, so in addition to checking out the base, we got to enjoy a preview look at the planes on display, without the crowds.

Lots of folks from the squadron showed up for the cookout, which was held at Spouse's old hangar. It was wonderful to see my scooter-pie on cloud nine as he visited with old friends, made some new ones, and reveled in the sheer thrill of being back on the ramp again. The food was awesome, and I took many photos of the planes, which included a B-52, The famous B-17 "Memphis Belle", and a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, as well as a p-51 Mustang, a Corsair, and a replica Japanese Zero that has appeared in "Tora! Tora!" Tora!", "Midway", and "Baa Baa Black Sheep". We really had a lot of fun.

Afterwards, we went to Hooterville and knocked back a few with a whole bunch of folks from the squad. Very few for me, actually: one Bud, and a Coke. Just in case I had to drive.

Then to bed, because Saturday was gonna be jammy-packed.