Spring Winding down in the Miami Valley

 

I really enjoy living by the lakes. Always interesting things to see, including the new life. Robins put a next on my porch, I left it alone and these four little guys are there. Fun to see them, and the parents are really working hard keeping them fed. Lots of amazing birds to be seen here, some raising families. Geese are really protective and let you know if you get too close. 

The aircraft photo (those are C-17s by the way) was taken when I was heading in the car to Fairborn which is where Wright Patterson Air Force base is located. The Bunny I took in my yard, always enjoy watching those gentle creatures. Finally a family of geese crossing the road in my neighborhood. Summer is just around the corner, with Memorial Day being the "Unoffical" start of the season. Will soon be firing up the grills and enjoying Summertime here in Ohio.  

Graceland (May 10-16, 2021)

Amazing first time trip, Debbie and me drove to Memphis, TN to visit Graceland. Amazing house owned by a remarkable man...Elvis. Got a few photos of the house, his grave and just a few of the toys and items from his career. This is just a small fraction of what can be seen there, it was an amazing visit and had a wonderful time. In fact Memphis has a lot more to offer and will be returning to that city in the future!

We also spent an overnight in Louisville, KY on the way there, and coming back had a couple of days in Rising Sun Indiana. It was a fantastic trip.  

   

 

North Dixie Exploration (May 15, 2021)

Had some business in the area, dropped my wife off at Hollywood Casino and did some exploring at some of my favorite places...motorcycle shops on North Dixie Drive. This at left and the two photos below is Joe's Cycle. They are a Triumph and Yamaha dealer (they also sell Zero Motorcycles). I have had work done there since coming to this area, and have nothing but good things to say about them. Fine people and so far at least have gotten nothing but first rate service and quality work. Nice shop and a fun place to visit from time to time.  

This is Buckeye Harley-Davidson. I had never been there, and certainly was impressive for sure. Most Harley dealerships are really something to see and this one was no exception. They have a good selection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and a nice looking shop area. No prices on the motorcycles, I guess if you have to ask you can't afford them. Lots of employees and they were eager to ask if I needed anything. I have never had a Harley in all my years of riding but I do admire them from a distance. Know some people who ride them and they speak well of them (mostly).  

Finally, got a couple of photos of the Dixie Drive-In. I used to love to watch movies at drive in theaters back in the day, and good to see at least on a limited basis that day is still upon us. 

As you can probably see in the photo below, there are two screens there, so you have a choice of movies. I have seen that a few times in the modern Drive-ins and this was no exception. Apparently they are going to have a concert there, or a concert movie. Not sure as this is still the age of Covid though that is rapidly going away at the vaccine is out there now (and I have gotten mine for damn sure. Nice to see things getting more back to normal and people able to get out again. Science is a beautiful thing indeed     

 

Huffman Prairie Flying Field (April 26, 2021)

This field was actually the World's First Airport (or at least that is what one of the info signs say) which is Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Now a part of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (which can be seen from the field) . This field from 1903 to 1905 was where the Wright Brothers perfected their invention as they moved from the Wright Flyer of Kitty Hawk fame to the Wright Flyer III which is considered the world's first practical airplane. While both 'flew" and were controllable the Wright Flyer III was much easier to fly and could easily cover greater distances.

There is no admission charge to visit this site, and there you can see replicas of the hangar they built there as well as the replica of the catapult they designed to get the plane in the air. As Ohio did not have the winds of Kitty Hawk, NC they used that device to launch the planes into the air. It worked remarkably well. I have a few more photos on my "Racing with the Wind" motorcycle blog page.       

 

Play Ball (April 25, 2021)

First time to see a sporting event since 2019 which was the Cincinnati Reds in that fine city. Today, went to the home of the Dayton Dragons to watch a high school matchup between Tecumseh High School and Troy High school. This was the first visit to the field for Debbie and me and we had a great time. A lot of developement has and is going on around the ballpark, and I am looking forward to returning again. Finally with vacinations, the world is opening up again ! 

    

 

New life in another Spring (April 25, 2021)

Was out on a grocery run on this foggy Sunday Ohio morning, and came across this family out for a walk. First babies I have seen, though have seen a number of nesting geese in the area. This time of year there will be a lot of them, as well as baby ducks and even (as seen in the past) baby rabbits. 

Speaking of rabbits, here is one below. Was watching it this morning chasing a squirrel. Not quite sure why, as it could have been a reason, or it could have been play. At any case, it was fun to watch.   

 

That's All Brother arrives at the Air Force Museum (April 20, 2021)

Drove out to the National Museum of the United States Air Force just outside of Dayton, Ohio to see the plane seen at left and above arrive today. It is "That's All Brother" which is a C-47 notable in that it was one of the planes that actually took part in the D-Day invasion by US and other allied forces to take back Occupied Europe from the evil Nazis. 

The C-47 was developed from the legendary DC-3 and was one of the most important aircraft of the Second World War for the United States. It was amazing watching this classic aircraft fly in today and enjoyed the visit a great deal.