July 17th, 2019-  Bill asked me to ride along last week and we hopped in his plane and flew to Detroit in 2 hours, got 98 gallons of fuel and came back home.  Round trip- 5 hours....pretty incredible!   A whole new world that I never knew existed and what privilege!  

On the way up to Detroit we were flying along and lost pressurization!  It was SO loud and we immediately descended from 16,000' to 12,000'. It is an experience I won't forget because we trained for it during jet training and we had oxygen masks to put on within 5 sec, but I had no experience with the real thing.  Bill and I were not high enough that it was critical to get oxygen immediately, but the jets can go up to 30,000'.  A clamp corroded and we discovered the cause of the problem several days later.  We continued the flight and just stayed lower than our intended altitude.  

I saw an A5 Icon amphibious aircraft on the field in Detroit.  Wow!  They are a unique aircraft and caught my eye.  If you live near water (and can afford one), these are the way to go! 

Sarah sent me a pic and video of the seaplane she flies in NY.  It is HUGE and sits so high.  I have never flown in a seaplane before and may have to go up and visit Sarah for the experience one day.   

Being the TEAM RHUBARB leader at the JMU Physical Education Institute is always a highlight of my year!  All the team leaders have fruits, veggies and healthy food names.  We meet on Sunday and the conference goes thru Wed.  We are from all over the state of VA and these folks are relationships I have built the last 20 years.  I am so blessed!   Lots of hugs this week and I am a hugger.

Team Rhubarb is my group and we created a brain booster for teachers to use in their classrooms.  Here is my INCREDIBLE team this year. 

My friend Diane works at JMU so I stopped in several times each day to give her a hug and love on her.  I have know her since I was 17 years old and she was pregnant with Chad and Daniel.  They are now grown and out of the house.  Diane and I bonded over several traumatic experiences and our hearts have been linked forever.  You are such a sweet lady and a dear friend.  Love you!  

Here are a few highlights from the week at JMU.  Enjoy the time-lapse video of the sunrise overlooking interstate 81 one morning as I was walking around campus.  

I have been re-energized this week doing 3 presentations over the last few days and was asked to be part of the keynote presentation on Tues with Ron.  I taught the 320 teachers how to juggle.  Each morning at 6:30 am I taught unicycling.  It is so fun to pass on those skills to others and they return back to their schools with new ideas and skills.  

Here are a couple of pics of the sunset from a flight student.  I stand in awe of the beauty that the Lord creates each day.  May you have the eyes to see it, the heart to appreciate it and the drive and motivation to share the love of the Lord with everyone around you!  

July 15th, 2019-  I am so excited for the people I will meet this week at the physical education conference at JMU.  Here is a sweet note from a student I trained and thanked me for training her.  What a blessing!  Stay tuned for more as time permits this week. 

July 9th, 2019-  Pop and I worked together to finish the puzzle.  We had 1 missing piece, but mom made a replacement piece and she found a nice inexpensive frame for it.  I enjoyed working on the puzzle with my folks.  

We had a deer standing in the frog pond getting a drink of water.  Nice surprise as I walked out of the house.  Walter decided to snuggle up with me on the couch one night.  One day I tackled a corner of the garage and organized the overflowing mess!  

I got to fly down to Pulaski county in southern VA with one of my students.  What a beautiful and mountainous part of the state.  

Joel Wolters owns J & W Auto Sales in Harrisonburg.  The building is our old 7-11.  He gave it a facelift and it looks AMAZING!

Tony and I enjoyed a 19-mile bike ride together even though it was in the upper 80's and really humid.  

I had a late night flight and stayed with my folks. Click here to see the amazing lightning display that was throughout the valley!  Sarah and I could see it south of the valley.  I walked around their property and saw the beautiful flowers mom has planted.  Her tomatoes and peppers are huge and doing well.  

We had a little sprinkle at the house the other day.  Only 1" in 10 min!  

We have had some serious storms lately.  I did a lesson the other day and we had a clear area right around the airport.  

Mom and pop took me to Cracker Barrel for my birthday lunch.  Pop was cold and went out to my car since he wanted a coat.  He put on one of my fleece jackets.  I had to help him pull it down and he said "I may not be able to eat because I won't be able to get it off!"

July 2nd, 2019 I turned 45 years old.  Thank you Lord for the life you have given me.  I am so blessed!  Here are a couple of my favorite pics this week.  

A stunning sunset!  

I got to fly to the Greenbriar, WV yesterday.  We flew in the clouds the entire way over and back.  Pretty amazing!  

I enjoyed the beautiful sunrise coming into the airport this morning.  Sarah just passed her instrument checkride!  I am so pleased and grateful.  It is a pass for the school and my instructor record.  Another trained pilot taking to the clouds.   Thank you Lord!    Enjoy the time lapsed video Sarah made from the back seat going to WV yesterday.  The view from my office is incredible!  

Next week I get to see all my physical education buddies at the JMU institute and I will be a team leader once again.  This conference is how I will maintain my teaching certificate even though I am not in the classroom. 

I enjoyed laughing and smiling this week and realizing that I am in  good place!  Thankful for the healing of my hurting heart that has taken place.  To God be all the glory!  The relationships in my life make me a rich and blessed person indeed!  

June 28th, 2019-  What a nice change to have a day off at home to relax, no agenda or schedule and stay cool inside as the temperatures climb (too hot for me).  I want to start off with my favorite pic from the last few weeks and no surprise that I have one that is a sunset at the Leesburg Airport.  I stood at the fence for about 45 minutes and watched the sun go down, mesmerized by the beauty that the Lord creates all around us each day.  

2 Thessalonians 2:16-​  May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.  

I was working out in the garage one evening and was texting a friend.  When I looked up, I saw something coming towards me so I discretely clicked on video to capture the adorable baby fawn trotting up to me.   I never saw the mom, but I am sure she was in the woods close by.  Good thing I have the electric fence around the garden or they would enjoy eating all the fresh plants.  

There is an aircraft that always catches my eye and gets me excited and that is an Osprey!  I left the airport to head home and saw the props in a vertical configuration coming in for a landing so I pulled over and enjoyed the sight from the side of the road.  

We have had some spectacular mornings at the airport.  We live in a beautiful part of the country and it never gets old to me!  

I received an email about an Eagle Event at Bridgewater College and decided to pop in after leaving the airport.   We had an hour of various birds on display and learning about each one.  I am so glad I went and thoroughly enjoyed learning about each species and I was very surprised at the size of some of the birds.  

Mom sent me this pic of a rainbow across the street from her house.

Genesis 9:8-14-  Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him:  I  now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you- the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you- every living creature on earth.  I establish my covenant with you;  Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.  

And God said, This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come;  I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.  Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind.  Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.   

My favorite temps are in the 60's and low 70's with no humidity.  Last Sat was perfect and I set out on a bike ride.  Rode 19 miles and I really enjoyed getting back out on the road.  It has been too long and I missed it.  My leg is healing up nicely and I am grateful for Bill (Appalachian Physical Therapy) for working on my back and relieving my pain so I can enjoy biking and other activities again.  

On Sunday, Tony and I got home from church and I saw a text from the Captain who flies a Pilatus (fast single engine plane (out of Cumberland, West Virginia).  I talked with him several weeks ago and he said I could sit right seat with him and would let me know about upcoming trips.  It was 1:45 pm and he wanted wheels up at 3:45.  I needed 2 hours to drive to the airport and said I would pass because I knew I would pull in right at 3:45 pm.  He said no problem and Tony encouraged me to do it.  I quickly changed clothes and was out the door in 5 min.  What an experience!  This is the kind of flying I need to do to bridge the gap between the flight school planes and jets.  I didn't get paid, but well worth the time and effort to drive up and back.

We flew to to Connelsville, PA which is where Tony's family is located, then to Beaver Creek, PA and off to Leesburg, VA for dinner.  That is where the sunset pics came from and what a treat!  The Captain and I returned all the passengers after they enjoyed dinner and we got back to Cumberland, WV at midnight.  Then I had a 2 hour drive back home.  I talked with Tony and mom to keep me awake as I slowly came down from my high.  Got home at 2:30 am and got 3.5 hours of sleep before my 9 am lesson Monday morning.  Not enough sleep for me, but I would do it again to gain such valuable experience in that type of plane.  I would love to fly a Pilatus or a similar jet out of the Weyers Cave airport, but nobody owns one....yet!  Maybe that will become a possibility!  These are not my prime hours, but I can stay awake when I am that excited!  

I got to fly out of a cornfield this week for a flight review.  So many facets of being a flight instructor are interesting and you never know the people you will meet.  We had an experimental plane the family built and what a beautiful flight over the valley!  

A student at our flight school passed his private pilot checkride last week and brought in 2 chocolate airplanes that his grandmother made.  They are so cute!  The blue ribbons are propellers!  

There was a guy down the road from where my folks bought the farm years ago.  I would see Nolan flying and yesterday we got to enjoy our 1st flight together.  He has a grass strip out his backyard and pushes his plane out of the garage.  Incredible!  We flew to Smith Mountain lake and enjoyed a wonderful visit with Tom at his hanger.  Tom completed his instrument training with me several years ago and we still keep in touch.  Nolan and I headed to Brookneal and that airport was in the middle of nowhere!  No wonder I have never been there.  One plane, one runway and one building.  Isolated and the fuel pumps didn't work either.  We flew to Luray to fuel up, dodged a few storm cells that were building in the valley and then flew back into his grass strip.  

What a day!  I took him to lunch for flying with me and enjoyed talking with him.  I had to laugh because I was SO hungry!  Had not had a meal all week and was needing to fill up all my crevices  as my mother says and stuff myself.  Nolan said he had never seen someone eat so much food!  Delicious and I enjoyed my breakfast, lunch and dinner meal.   I taught his grandson at TA 12 years ago.  He told me he wanted to take me flying a long time ago, but didn't know my family well enough to ask.  The relationships I have built through the world of aviation continue to make me smile each day. Thank you Lord!  I am incredibly blessed!  

My folks are both back home and doing well.  Pop got off home health care nursing last week.  Thank you Lord!  My leg wound is closed and I have a nice scar (tattoo).  The muscle underneath is still very tender and I can feel it when I am laying on my side in bed at night.  

Emotionally I am doing very well!  I continue to seek the Lord and ask for His direction.  I loved the variety of flying that I got to experience this week.  I know the Lord has a plan for me and I am excited to see what opens up as I am available to work, fly, minister to others, etc.   I have had 3 lessons in the twin commanche and will continue to work on earning my ATP (airline transport pilot rating).  When I am comfortable in the plane I will be ready for the $600 checkride test with the examiner.  

​Thank you for praying for me and encouraging me the last few months!  What an improvement and I am so thankful for each one of you.  

A song caught my ear this week and it is called My Feel Are On The Rock by I Am They.  That is the same group who sings the Scars song I posted several weeks ago.  Click here to listen.  Be ready to clap your hands and tap your toes.  It is fast paced and I love it!   Here are the lyrics so you can follow along:

My Feet Are On The Rock-  I Am They
I can see the clouds roll in
I can feel the wind as they try to shake me
I will not be moved
My feet are on the rock

I can feel the waters rise
I can hear the howling lies that haunt me
Fear won't hold me now
My feet are on the rock

When I feel my hope about to break
I will cling to Your unchanging grace
Let the waters come and the earth give way
I'll be dancing in the rain!
My feet are on the rock

​I can see the morning light
I can feel the joy on the horizon
Here my faith is found
I stand on solid ground!

When I feel my hope about to break
I will cling to Your unchanging grace
Let the waters come and the earth give way
I'll be dancing in the rain!
My feet are on the rock

​On Christ, the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
So stomp…   

June 16th, 2019-  I had a great week that was full of flying, giving thanks to the Lord for friends making their final journey to heaven, removing a critter from the house and a spectacular sunrise.  

I will start with the sunrise as I have shared this pic several times throughout the week with friends.  

The morning stillness is something to behold from the sky.  I took off at 5:30 am to fly a friend to NC because his mother was not doing well and here is the sunrise.  A layer of fog looks like a river as colors splash across the sky.  I could look at this all day!  I am so thankful to be able to use my flying to bless someone in a crisis and not just use my flying for a self-serving purpose.  Thank you Lord and I ask for you to continue opening doors for me to serve and love others thru aviation.  

Last Sunday, I was sitting in the dining room before church and when I got up I saw something move out of the corner of my eye.  I said Tony!  We have a opossum in the house!  The critter below was running around under the table.  Tony was cleaning a gun and came up the stairs with it in his hands.  I said, "that is the wrong tool!"    I went upstairs and used the $1.69 butterfly net my folks got for us years ago and captured him.  We have captured flying squirrels, bats, birds, etc in this net, but this was the 1st opossum.   Tony did not want to kill him, so we hung him out the window as we drove down the lane in the truck to church and we released him at the creek.   

We do not know how long he was in the house, but I am thankful he is gone!  We finally got a new cat door sensor for Walter our cat and he is using the locking door.  So.....hopefully our critter problems are solved!  

My leg continues to heal although it is still really tender to any pressure.  I slid into the twin commanche airplane this week for my 1st ATP flying lesson and my leg and body weight pressed on my leg.  That was painful!  My leg continues to swell each day and I have to prop it up.  I hope that resolves itself sooner than later.  

I love to work in the garden and I saw our 1st yellow tomato buds this week.  So exciting to see things growing and I can't wait to pick and eat the tomatoes this year.  

It was so nice to see the sun this week and I sat out by the airport runway at some picnic tables.  6 people came over to see me and talk and I had no idea that I would be so busy. Kyle flew in from WV and I got to meet his daughter.  Thanks for stopping by to see me!  

I was sitting at the table with my leg propped up and my shoe off since my leg was swollen.  Joey sent a text and said "Your foot stinks.  Put your shoe back on!"  I looked around because he had to be close by to see that my shoe was off.  I turned around and saw Chad and Joey eating lunch inside the cafe and waving at me.  I was laughing so hard!  You never know who is watching you!  

In front of me were jets parked all over the place and I wondered if we were sitting in Weyers Cave or some bigger airport.  I said I would like to fly that one, that one or that one!  I am not picky.  =)  The flowers next to me were a sea of purple and so beautiful.  

I made 2 trips to North Carolina this week and we had IFR (clouds and low ceilings) one day and beautiful clear skies the next day.  Here are the pics from our trips.  

Tony asked me what that orange thing was out in the yard.  We have 1 Tiger lily growing and it is so pretty.  I also saw these purple flowers in NC, but I don't know what they are.  Maybe I need to retake the hard college flower class from years ago!   

I attended the funeral for Ray Heatwole's wife Lynn.  What a beautiful and funny lady who loved the Lord!  I always respected Ray when he was my department chair at TA and he became a mentor to me in the physical education arena.  My love and admiration grew even more as I watched him become the caregiver for Lynn as she battled Alzheimer's the last 5 years. What a cruel disease where you lose your loved one 2 times- once as they slowly deteriorate into someone you don't recognize and then when they pass.   She went home to be with Jesus this week and we celebrated her amazing life!  I am thankful I was here and could give Ray a big hug after the service.  

Another friend lost his mom Lynn the next day and she also went home to be with Jesus! I am so thankful for the privilege I had to know her, sing praise songs to the Lord with her in the car and to fly to NC with her.   Heaven has 2 knew angels this week that will be missed here on earth and we await the day we get to be reunited with them.  

The airport hosted the Women Can Fly Event Sat June 15th and WHSV did a story on the event.  Click here to read about it.  We flew over 200 girls and women and I had 8 flights.  What a great day!  I was so busy I didn't take a single picture and I take pictures of everything!  =)

I had two 6 year old girls on separate flights and they had never flown before.  They were smiling afterwards.  One of them kept saying she was scared and after the flight kept saying "can we do that again!"  One lady was VERY pregnant and asked if I was ok with flying her.  I said "No problem.  You just tell me if that baby is coming and I will tell everyone to get out of my way so I can land and take you over there! (I pointed to Air Care which is our medical helicopter and team who were sitting outside on display for the folks to visit).  They could deliver her baby if needed!  =)   I even filled out a certificate for her baby's 1st flight and he is being delivered today.  

One lady was absolutely terrified and told me she was and didn't really want to be there.  I said "Thanks for your honesty!"  I told her about mom waiting 3.5 years to fly with me because she was terrified and now she loves flying with me.  The group selected her as the one in the front seat with me and I let her taxi the plane with her feet, help me push/pull the controls for the engine run-up and when I landed and pulled off the runway I looked over and saw her smiling from ear to ear.  What a great compliment and I gave a fist pump with a loud "YES!".  

I got a text later from one of my new students and he said "Teach me your ways!"  I wasn't sure what he meant and then looked at the attached text that he found online.  

What a rewarding experience to share my love of aviation with someone who was terrified to fly, have her put complete trust in me, and to be able to deliver an experience that she will never forget!  Thank you Lord for this incredible privilege!  

I had an intro flight afterwards with an 80 year old man, his son and his grandson who was in his mid 20's.  Grandpa was a former pilot and had a blast!  After the flight, I had him put his arm around my neck so we could lower his bottom from the back seat to the floor and then he could just stand up on the ground with his legs hanging outside of plane.  Worked great and my adapted physical education experience still comes in handy helping folks with limitations to get in and out our planes.  The gentlemen stood up, took his other arm and gave me a big hug and said "Thank you so much for that wonderful experience!"  Talk about a powerful moment!  I had asked him during the flight if he missed flying.  He said "Yes" and that he could still experience the same feelings as we flew over the valley.  

I have had an incredible week of flying and I can say this is the type of flying I want to do-  purposeful flying to bless and help others.  I don't want to be self serving and I want to fly with people who appreciate the incredible privilege of being able to fly.  Open more doors for me Lord to share your love with others, help others who need to get somewhere fast because of a crisis and allow me to help others conquer their fears in a healthy way.  

Thank you Lord for an amazing week and some beautiful sunsets!  Your majesty is incredible!   

June 8th, 2019- What an interesting week!  Last Sat, I went to the airport and planned on flying to Lynchburg to pick up Emily who is a fellow 99 (female pilot organization I belong to) and then fly over to the Roanoke Women Can Fly event.  Many things with aviation require flexibility and that day the fog was not going anywhere during the morning hours!   I watched as Skywest sat on the taxi ramp burning fuel for over an hour!  Talk about expensive idle time!  36 passengers were waiting to fly to Dulles that morning.  All of us were waiting for the fog to lift.  When the temperature and dew point are within a couple of degrees of each other we can have fog.  So when the temperature goes up, the fog will burn off and disappear.  Sometimes this happens quickly and other days it can be 10 or 11 am before the we can fly out.   

Chad and Joey were going to let me use their plane and it was sitting out ready to go.  I waited for an hour and had to reluctantly push the plane back in the hanger and get in my car.  It was a beautiful day and painful to drive 2 miles down the interstate and see clear skies everywhere except at the airport!   Oh well....that is the way it goes sometimes.  Emily also had to drive over from Lynchburg and I got to meet her for the 1st time.  I filled out her scholarship application several months ago and several weeks ago we found out that she won the Fly Now scholarship thru the 99's.  The money will go towards completing her private pilot certificate.  The 99's are the ones who invested in me to complete my CFI (flight instructor training) and I am excited to give back and help others achieve their aviation goals.  

I drove down to Roanoke and enjoyed a wonderful day at the airport with my 99 buddies and all the ladies coming to the airport wanting to learn about aviation and taking an intro flight.  

Peggy and I talked throughout the day about my experience at Air Wis and being asked to resign.  I have had so many people send me a text or email to say how inspiring I have been throughout the past 2 months.  I stand amazed at the Lord's ability to use us in ALL situations if we are willing to be used by Him! Many times our message can be more powerful and resonate with others when we get knocked down and decide to brush ourselves off and keep moving forward.  Our lives are not determined by the circumstances and experiences we have, but by the attitude and grace we show as we walk through those trails and victories!  I want my life to show others the love of Jesus even when I have to walk through the fire.  Peggy sent me this pic and I appreciated the time we got to spend together.  I am believing and trusting in whatever the Lord has for my life!  Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as I press towards the goal.  

I wrote about the disgusting critters that came into the house.  We set up raccoon traps to try and catch them.  This week I started an enthusiastic instrument student (instrument pilots can fly thru the clouds).  She is a commercial seaplane pilot from Connecticut and I found out she has a light green Bianci road bike.  I decided to go out to the garage and take a picture of my bike to show her.  Rich, who lives out in Kansas and rode across the USA with us, is the only other person I have met with this kind of bike.  So at 4:45 am I took this picture so I could show her the bike at our 6 am lesson.  

I had no idea what was in store for me as I walked OUT of the garage!  I turned on the light to this side of the garage and that always provides sufficient light for the other side too.  There was about a foot of clearance for me to walk by the raccoon cage (which I do everyday) that was sitting on the floor.  Well.......my right shin must have clipped the edge of the trap, made it turn and down I went on top of it.  OUCH!  I laid on the floor for about 2 minutes writhing in pain.  Eventually I said "I bet I am bleeding because I hurt so bad."  So I stood up, turned on the light and saw this.....

I have no tattoos, but I added a new scar that will surely leave a mark.  I went upstairs to clean up myself and try to stop the bleeding so I could drive to work.  There was even a dent in the huge cage.  I sent this pic to Tony and told him that we didn't catch a raccoon, but we caught a Cindy!  He was shocked at my leg and showed some of the other instructors at the academy that morning as they prepped to teach for the day.  

It takes me 48 min to drive to the airport.  When I got there, I noticed blood on my car seat and on my shorts.  I cut the back of my thigh and didn't know it.  Great....  Thankfully I had an extra pair of shorts in my car since I didn't make it down to my folks this week.  I changed clothes, cleaned up my wounds and my lesson walked in the flight school.  She was stunned and couldn't believe I didn't cancel.  Told her I was dedicated!  =)  I flew all day and got some pretty crazy reactions to my leg, usually with people having their mouth hanging open.  I left the wound uncovered so it could heal quickly.

Standing in line for lunch at the airport, a guy asked me if I got attacked by a tiger.  Too funny!   Told him no and the story behind it.  Thought I should probably get a tetanus shot and a doctor friend confirmed my theory.  So after teaching all day I headed to the MedExpress in Harrisonburg for my shot.  The cut is not very deep and that is good because I waited too long if I would have needed stitches.  My arm was sore for 3 days after that shot!  I have been sleeping on my left side all week.  I busted up my right side pretty well!  

The leg continues to heal each day.  Swelling is an issue by the end of the day so I prop up my leg whenever I can.  I have also been taking an aspirin each day for the 1st time in my life, to prevent blood clots.  

Tony and I have a nice, relaxing day at home.  He is an instructor until the end of July and then goes back to his normal schedule of 1 day on, 3 days off.   His ear infection has not gone away after a week of antibiotics so we will go to the MedExpress for his ear this time.  We are becoming regular visitors and I never go to the doctor.

We had a gorgeous day this week and I took some pics in New Market!  The beauty of this valley is something that never gets old to me.  I pulled over for a beautiful sunrise.  

We have some friends who are taking care of their mom with pneumonia.  I have been providing encouragement to them all week because I am all too familiar with that difficult journey to recovery.  The Lord put the song All In All on my heart to share and I send it out to you all.  May the Lord be your all in all. When you fall down He will pick you up, when you are dry He will fill your cup, He will be your All In All!  Click here to listen.  

​Have a blessed weekend and sing your praises to the Lord!  

May 29th, 2019-  Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.  

This scripture verse was part of a devotion this week and good reminder to seek after the wisdom of the Lord  for direction and guidance.  We can be good at messing things up so following the Lord's plan is a much better journey!

I enjoyed a hike with a flight student and I was huffing and puffing trying to keep up with her.  We headed straight up the trail and it was a cardio workout for sure!  

I was excited to share with her about a pilot I met at the airport.  He flies for a medical team down in Blacksburg, VA and asked me if I had my Cessna Citation type rating and I said no.  Told him about my training and recent experience and that I am going to finish up my ATP training here at the flight school.  He gave me his business card and said when I finish my ATP to send him an email.  Gave me a ray of hope that the Lord can open a door at any time for me to fly in the capacity that He desires for me.  

As we hiked down off the mountain a thunderstorm rolled in and we got soaked.  You can only get so wet!  We had a great time catching up, getting some exercise and sharing about what the Lord has planned for us.  We also talked with her son who is returning from college and wants to complete his private checkride.  He is training in Arizona and we studied on the computer via Skype for 2 nights (I have a useful purpose for the program I had to download for the interview that I bombed several weeks ago) to prepare him for the oral part of his test.  The winds were 25 mph so he cancelled his checkride in Arizona, flew home and I worked with him Sunday afternoon and he passed his checkride Monday.  So exciting and 4 years in the making!  

I got to fly to Lancaster, PA and it was WINDY!!  One of my students owns a Mooney and it was ready to be picked up.  It was nice to go someplace and I have never been to that airport.  Beautiful day to fly and a little bumpy on the way back.  

I made some homemade quiche this week and put asparagus, swiss chard, peppers, onions, cheese and sausage in it.  Delicious!  I use the quick quiche recipe and usually double it.  This time I added lots of veggies so I only needed one batch.  One of my flight students loves to consume Red Bull drinks and skips breakfast.  I told him about the quiche I made and passed the recipe and pics on to him.  We have to fuel our bodies with the right foods if we want to be efficient.  

Tony and I have had unexpected critters visiting several nights this week.......raccoons, opossums or something has been coming thru the cat door and walking around the kitchen counters knocking things over and leaving poop behind.  Disgusting!!  I told Tony that is a priority to fix this problem so he got another cat door that has a sensor on it and Walter has a "bell" around his neck that unlocks it.  Walter does not like the sound of the locking mechanism on the door so I am working on trying to train him to use it.  I am thankful we have no more critters and hopefully we got rid of the smell from the urine they left behind.  We have lived here 13 years next month and this is the first time we have had this problem.  

Tony was shooting at Quantico all weekend so I enjoyed a nice day hanging out with Bill and Colleen on Saturday.  We worked in the garden and I helped Bill with the bees.  We had quite a lightning display across the valley and enjoyed sweet fellowship with my dear friends.  Grace the labrador retriever, rolled over and got a big belly rub before I headed home.  

I had a busy day Monday and even got to fly in the Cirrus airplane that the school owns.  First time in a Cirrus and they are nice!  We had a guy rent an airplane and sprained his ankle in Cumberland, MD during an outdoor volleyball tournament.   He couldn't fly home so my boss and I flew up and then I flew the renter and his wife back.  Got to fly thru the clouds up and back.  Great practice and very bumpy on the way home.  The Cirrus is the plane I should fly in to prepare for the airlines, but it is way too expensive for my budget.  I would have to fly it 20 hours to get signed off on it and it rents for over $250/hr.   There is autopilot and the automation that I had to learn for the jet.  Now I have one hour in a Cirrus.  

There were several beautiful pics this week.  I pulled over on Route 11 to enjoy this sunrise.    

I decided to head down and spend the night with my folks last night.  Had a wonderful visit and pop was doing things around the house, engaging in conversation, ate dinner with us and even cleaned up the dishes.  Wow!  What a blessing!  Mom and I walked the long loop which is 2 miles and it is the 1st time she made it that far since she got sick.  Woo hoo!   My folks had a puzzle out on the table with just the border completed.  I LOVE puzzles and have not done one in years.  I can look at pieces and see the color and shape and know exactly where it goes.  I have often said what a wasted talent because I rarely get to use one of the things that comes so naturally to me unless I am packing something and then it is helpful.  

Mom and pop can work on it now and see how much they can get done on it.  

The roses in front of my folks house are too numerous to count. They exploded since the last time I was there and are so pretty.  

I enjoyed spending the day with my folks.  Pop had blood work done at the VA clinic in Harrisonburg, we went to IHOP for breakfast and then we walked thru the mall to get some exercise while walking and talking on a flat surface and air conditioned building.  Pop even hit a few golf balls.  We took the wheelchair and pushed him when he got tired.  

While we were walking, I noticed a group of individuals sitting on the sofas in front of the JCPenney store.  I saw one of the young men looking at me.  When we turned the corner and walked closer he continued looking at me and then I heard him say "AIRPORT" and pointed at me.  He was one of the adults who came to the airport on May 4th and he remembered me.  I walked over to the group and met the leader of the group and the young man said he had a picture of our day in the plane in his room.  I smiled as I reflected on the impact of that memorable experience for him.  Scroll back to the May 4th post and you can see the group photo and read about our experience.  

Last night while I was working on the puzzle, pop had America's Got Talent on the tv.  I heard a young man who is blind and autistic come on the stage to sing.  His mom walked him on stage and shared about him.  Listen to him sing!  It will bring tears to your eyes.  Click here.  Watch the video and see how he is transformed when he starts to sing.  Incredible!  After working with students who have special needs, I can tell you that music is a powerful tool to unlock the love, life and passion in their hearts.  

Thank you for praying for me, encouraging me and being a part of my life!  I am so blessed!  

I spent a lot of time at home this week and decided to start staining the front porch.  Takes a lot of time (I certainly have lots of that now), but it looks so good afterwards and protects the logs for another 5-8 years.  I may start doing another side of the cabin or paint some of the doors and trim work.  

I only have 2 students so my flying has been pretty light this week and I don't have another lesson until Wed.   We had a unique plane doing touch and go landings at the airport last week.  I asked Bruce what kind of plane it is because I had no idea and figured he would know.  It is a Navy E-6B and has a big rotating radar on the top.  

​I did see Teddy one day (he belongs to my boss) and he grew a foot during the last month.  His fur is so soft and he certainly gets a lot of love at the flight school from everyone who walks in.  I still miss Roscoe even though it has been over a year since he died of pneumonia.  

I came home one day to find a dead flying squirrel on the family room floor.  I can hear them scratching during the night and I am just thankful Walter our cat kills them so the squirrel doesn't come running across me when I am sleeping (or laying there wide awake as I hear them scratching in the ceiling)!  

Joel and I flew early one morning and the sunrise on the way to the airport was spectacular! Once we got in the air it was so clear and beautiful.  I love flying over the valley.  

One morning during my quiet time with the Lord, I decided to write out the words to the song Who Am I by Casting Crowns.  A friend loves this song so I included her name on it and will give it to her next week before her big trip overseas.  Click on the song title if you want to listen and follow along.   I love beautiful pics and selected ones that seemed to go along with this song.  

Our neighbors have some beautiful peony bushes that are blooming along the lane so I stopped to admire them one day.  My heart prays for the day all the families on this lane that we live on can get along and live in peace with one another.  

Pop had an appointment at the VA (veterans) hospital in Roanoke so I got up at 4 am Friday morning to drive to my folks.  I helped them to drive down for the 1st of his 2 appointments starting at 8:30 am.  Valissa flies for United and lives in Roanoke so she came and picked me up at the VA so we could hang out for a bit while my folks were at the doctor.  I have always heard about the numerous projects at her really old and beautiful home.  I finally got to see it and we talked about possible next steps for my flying, how to build my confidence back which is pretty fractured at the moment and how to heal my hurting heart so I can move forward.  I met her thru the 99's female pilot association and she has been a dear friend as I journey down this aviation path.  

When we got back from Roanoke, I planted the puny little tomato and pepper plants that I started from seed the end of March.  They need some serious attention and we will see how they survive after being put in the ground. I need to learn how to make thicker stalks on these as they grow.  I am thankful they even survived because they all sprouted when I was down taking care of my folks this year and didn't see them until 3 weeks later.  Paige and Ann need to give me seed growing lessons because I am lacking in this area!  =)

I have enjoyed seeing a few colorful flowers around our house as I walk in the morning and explore during the breaks that I need while staining.  

Saw this turtle as I drove down the lane to church yesterday morning.  1st one I have seen this year and I enjoy seeing turtles a lot more than seeing a snake!  Haven't seen any of those yet this year and that is OK with me! 

The lady who hemmed my uniform pants loaned me 2 books to read while I was traveling.  I am not on the road anymore and decided to take some time to enjoy the books.  They take place in Woodstock, VA and frequently reference the Woodstock Tower.  My doubles tennis partner at Bridgewater College was Olivia and she grew up in Woodstock.  That is how I originally heard of the tower and took my folks up there for a picnic lunch years ago.  Last week Walter knocked a picture off the shelf and shattered the glass in it.  The picture just happened to be of my family on top of the tower.  I enjoyed both books and seeing the faith that was tested and persevered throughout the books.  I don't usually read fiction, but did enjoy the recommendation.   Click here to read about Jason F. Wright who lives in Woodstock, Va.  

While staining this week, I recognized that I needed to listen to some good teaching to feed my spirit.  Last month I started a daily devotion on my phone with the Holy Bible app that has daily plans you can select.  I have never used my phone to study God's word like this, but have been enjoying adding a new addition to my mornings.  The 1st one I completed was called Unstoppable by Christine Caine and read through that one while I was taking care of my folks.  She has an interesting testimony and I enjoyed hearing about how she came to know the Lord, met her husband and together they combat human trafficking.  Click here  to read about Christine.  

The next series was Don't Look back and now I am working thru The Book of James with Francis Chan (a 12-day series).  This one has videos at the beginning and I have been soaking in the truth of the God's word as Francis leads the teaching each day.  There are lots of videos about various topics on youtube by Francis  Chan (author of Crazy Love that I read years ago).    I have drained the battery on my phone numerous times this week as I pour into my heart the things that I want to see evident in my life.  So much work to do and so many areas to improve!   Today he talked about wisdom and don't we all need more of that on a daily basis.

Yesterday I  came across Drew Greenway who is a talented 18-year old musician and I enjoy listening to him sing and play the guitar.  The song I am singing out this week is Scars by I Am They and it resonates with where I am right now.  Click here to hear Drew sing the words of God's truth.  My brokenness brought me to you, these wounds are a story you'll use.  Amen!  I want the Lord to use this time in my life for His glory!    

I continue to ask the Lord for direction in my life, how He wants me to spend my time and in what capacity He wants me to serve him.  To be continued........ He will reveal the answers in His perfect timing.  I just need to grow where I am planted, bear fruit for the Lord and share His truth and promises to those around me.  Thanks for loving me and praying for my family!  

​​May 12th, 2019-  I want to send a note of love to my mom who has raised me and loved me through the years.  So thankful to still have you here and I enjoy the time we get to spend together.  I give thanks that you are recovering and we will celebrate when you get up to walking your 2 mile loop again.  We almost made it last week.  So proud of you and your determination to heal from your legionella pneumonia.  

On Friday, mom got a beautiful delivery from Shari's Berries. 

She says they are delicious!  What makes me laugh is her comment "Who sent these?  I know Cindy doesn't send that kind of thing. "   She is right!  I bless her and others with my time and love, but have never been known to send a sweet treat like these berries.  Mom found out that Tony sent them to her (and his mom).  Way to go Mr. Tony!  He smiled and we even saw his dimple when mom determined it was him that sent the berries because she knew I didn't send them. 

Tony worked on stripping down the logs he cut several weeks ago to replace the rotten ones on our house.  Tony said the draw knife should have a warning, "Known to create quite a mess!"  

May 9th, 2019-  I am thankful to report that mom improves each day and is finally off home health care and done with physical therapy as of today.  She still has a lingering cough that continues to decrease each day and now she is back to taking care of pop.  Pop started his health care with the homebound nurses today.   I surprised my folks with a visit on Mon after my flight lessons that morning.

We had overcast cast skies and 600' ceilings so I filed a flight plan with ATC and we flew thru the clouds!  Usually my students have to wear foggles (glasses that only allow them to see inside the cockpit), but we had "actual IFR" so they got to fly thru the real thing.  So much fun and I enjoy teaching in the clouds.  Joel and Daniel both had a great time too!   

It was so clear at my folks and I enjoy the view from their front porch.  All the trees have filled in at my house so you can't see out again until winter.  Mom put the flowers Bill and Colleen brought as a welcome at the front door.  

Mom and I stopped by to see Jean, Starke and Missy.  We had a great visit and I got to see the incredible picture Jean finished painting with water colors. Wow!  It is beautiful!   Jean had it outlined with pencil markings when I was down helping my folks.  Jean you are such a talented lady and have been a dear friend to my mom.  Thank you so much!  I appreciate both of you looking after my folks when I am not there.  

As we looked around Jean's yard, I see the years of loving care and a knowledge about plants that I do not possess.  I learn a new plant each time we stop by.  I say "That is a pretty purple flower" and she will tell the real name of it.  Makes me smile and laugh!  Flower names tend to stick in my brain like the systems of a plane.  It is work to keep it in there long term.  

​The sunset spread across the sky was spectacular and I was yearning for a night flight on such a beautiful evening.  

I had my interview yesterday with CommutAir.  Tori helped me as I spent 2 hours trying to download the program the night before on my laptop and we did a test call to make sure the internet signal worked.  I have only used Skype one time and that was in 2012 so the program on my computer was too old.   I would have to say that I bombed the interview and knew as soon as we finished the call that I didn't get the job.  Their phone call last night confirmed my thoughts and feelings.  Some of the questions they asked were about the fuel and electrical system of the CRJ from Air Wis and my mind froze.  So disappointing and only highlights my weakness of being able to rattle off a bunch of numbers and limitations about systems in a plane.   I had been trying to wipe my mind from the Air Wis experience and move on so I guess I did a great job of that!   I  asked the Lord to close the door if this job was not right for me so I guess I slammed that door shut!  Disappointing, although I am not as down as I was when I was asked to resign from Air Wis.  I have taken a beating lately and I look forward to getting my pep, energy and excitement back.  I notice it is missing and so do those around me.  

I am trusting in the Lord to show me His perfect plan and timing for me.  I will continue to flight instruct until I figure out what is next.  I love teaching and really missed it.  Being comfortable and knowing the plane is so nice and relaxing compared to the stress and tension of training in a jet that I never mastered.  I really do enjoy interacting with my students and helping them reach their goals.  

I will start working on my MEI (multi-engine instructor) so I can teach in a twin engine plane and will then finish up my ATP which is what I was trying to do at Air Wis.  My boss Alex and I talked several weeks ago and I know they would work with me since I have so little income coming in right now.   Finally got a pay check on Friday for the 1st time in a month.   I earned enough to pay the electric bill so that is a start.  Bills don't stop just because my paycheck did.   I do not want to go back to working 10-15 hour days like I was before I left.  An instructor is leaving at the end of the month, so I will pick up some more lessons.   

Tony finally has a place to stay in DC and it is 3 miles away from the training academy.  Thank you Lord!!  Erin is an EMS captain and is also stationed at the training academy.  She has an extra room in her new condo and 2 pugs named Stump and Woody.  Tony was there last night for the 1st time and was helping her hang the tv wall mount and pics on the walls.  Told her she has the best fix-it guy around!  I am so thankful for Tony being able to stay there several nights a week and keep him from being so exhausted (and grumpy) by the end of the week.  He will help her cut the grass and get the place set up since she moved in last week and assist with the pooches.  We have invited her to stay in the cabin and I look forward to meeting her.   

I am not used to having so much time at home and staring at the walls so I need to keep myself occupied.  I did renew my 1st class medical today in case something comes up.  I considered canceling the appointment after the phone call yesterday, but thought it was best to keep it current for the next 6 months.  

Walking around the property I noticed a bleeding heart blooming and thought about how my heart hurts a little bit after the twists and turns of the last month. I pressure washed the front porch and will start staining the logs when they dry.  Needed to finish that last year and never did, so now is the time!  The house needs some overdue maintenance.   

I also made dinner for us with lots of leftovers.  I don't cook very often and when I do it is enough for several days.  Tony loved both dishes!  Broccoli and cheddar soup was really good and then we had Balsamic Chicken and Asparagus.  Delicious!  I also made Swedish Creme for dessert.  Bill and Colleen have made it several times so I decided to give it a try.  I will cut the sugar down next time and if I double the recipe, double the gelatin so it will harden.  3 dishes and I liked all of them.  That was a successful afternoon in the kitchen and food for the rest of the weekend.  I even bought some steaks to surprise Tony.  He will probably fall over because I never buy steaks and I usually don't eat them.  Trying to take advantage of the time at home.  

Thank you for the texts and words of encouragement this week.  I appreciate each one of you and the investment you have made in my life.  I am so blessed!  Sending a hug and my love out to all of you.