Philadelphia, MS (USA)

Nicky wanted to go up to the Silver Star Casino (on the Choctaw Reservation) near Philadelphia. We decided to try US-45 this time and see if it was faster than MS-19. I don't think it is - we had more time on a winding two lane than the other way. When we got there it was getting dark already and we went right inside to have some fun. I sat down at a Blackjack table and started to win right away. I seldom gamble, so this was surprising. When I was up about $100, I figured it was time to get going (even though we had only been there about an hour). Nicky said we should stay to make the most of the long drive. By the time we finally left four hours later (after two dealers changed), I had used up all the winnings. At least I'll never have to report gambling winnings on my 1040...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] I didn't hurry out of town this morning - who wants to leave P-Cola? (!!). Bought some souvenirs for the kids and explored the additions to the Naval Aviation Museum. By the time I got on the road, it was afternoon. Things were going great - I made really good time - until I was about a mile from Minnow Bucket Road (north of Meridian). That's our turnoff and I didn't notice the Lauderdale County Sheriff sitting in the bushes. Oh well - there goes three years of good behavior... He seemed more confused about why I rented a car when I lived down the street from where he pulled me over. In the end, I didn't have enough charm to talk my way out of the ticket.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] Last day of class. We ended pretty early, so I went over to one of the nearby genealogy libraries to see what kind of things they had. Made a few discoveries. Later, I drove over to Milton to see Andy and June. Had pizza and visited for several hours. I leave in the morning...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] Class went all day. I went out with the guys to dinner at Hooters tonight and we ended the evening at Seville Quarter again. Ended up as designated driver (again), but that's OK. Can't get into too much trouble that way, I guess...

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] After class today, I had some time to visit with my cousin, John, and his new wife, Ann. They just got married and I hadn't seen him in quite awhile. We went out to dinner and it was great to catch up with them. He will be getting a promotion soon - maybe I can come down to see that.

Pensacola, FL (USA)

[Aviation Physiology and Water Survival Training in Pensacola!] I got to rent a car again for this trip - much better than trusting the Mustang. It was an easy drive down US-45 (thank God they finally finished the four lane to just outside of Mobile!). This trip used to take forever - especially if I got behind a PawPaw in his tractor... The weather in P-Cola was just as nice as ever. I spent the evening at the Club - not much has changed since I was here last time.

Cleveland, OH (USA)

[IP Training Cross Country]  Had some more training to do on the way home, so we left Cleveland pretty early. Had some trouble near Meridian, so we landed to take care of our broken canopy. Finished all of my pilot training by the time we landed tonight, so I am officially ready to instruct!

Cleveland, OH (USA)

[IP Training Cross Country]  I drove back up to Portsmouth this morning and nearly got nabbed by the State Troopers near the MA-NH border... No problems after that, though, and I met Will A. at Pease International Airport.  We took off on time and arrived in Cleveland (Burke Lakefront) in the afternoon - just before some snow came through. Will A. and I got a ride to the Holiday Inn Lakeside.  After that, I got an early dinner while he went to visit some college friends. Our hotel was very close Jacobs Field - wish I had been here a month ago (during the baseball season)!

Quincy, MA (USA)

[IP Training Cross Country]  Spent the day visiting with Katie and John...

Portsmouth, NH (USA)

[IP Training Cross Country]  Will A. and I did a lot of training on the way up here today [stops ?] - nearly everything I need to do this new job on my own. He has family in the Boston area, so we both agreed to stop in Portsmouth (Pease International Airport) for the night. I got a rental car and drove down to see my sister. It was a pretty quick trip. Katie and John just had a new baby, so that was a special thing to be a part of. Stayed up late talking...