skygypsie

Prayers & best wishes for a full & speedy recovery

I have been on the phone with Direct TV frequently, since the 1st of the month due to chronic " searching for satellite" & blackouts on favorite channels. I understand weather factors, but we've had some fairly mild, clear, BlueSkies, low, wind days since the trouble started. Ironically, there seems to be little to no disturbance during times commercials are aired, though we were totally blacked out with no signal for the most part of yesterday. Another issue we have...we live in WI., but only get local channels ( i.e. news, WEATHER, sports ) from MN., nearly 200 miles away. WTH ? It's hard to check current jump / road conditions & forecast somewhere 3 hours away, let alone catch a Packer game ! Resolution offered after going through their troubleshooting: "we can send a technician out, but won't be til mid week, or try an upgrade"... We're about ready to get an aerial antenna & really back woods it

Oh, yes I have a small break in my right leg between knee and ankle. Which is a royal pain. will post a pic if I can. -------------------------------------------------------- wow ! Saw your pic...sorry to hear it ! If an AFFI or SL-I would have been on board you could chalk it up for a "do over" mock exit in ground training You must be back from AK. & to a very warm CT

QuoteQuoteQuoteYup... Butt ugly! Looks like my 08 Grand Cherokee will be my last? Here in Minneapolis, with 9 months of winter, the Grand Cherokee's are the best thing since Frosted Pop-Tarts. ---------------------------------------------------------- We have a '98, as our fun mobile ! During off season here in WI., no better way to break the cabin blues, giggling like little kids taking our Grand Cherokee out before the plows go through off roading, or after a heavy rain or melt off...puddle jumping It's the ride to have when we ba'ja & burrow through 'off the beaten path ' camp sites, as well Though its not my ride of choice on the highways, when this one falls to pieces we're picking it back up & putting it together again.

Russian No Fly Zone / waters are 50 miles from Nome, AK. ( west coast of AK.)

Oh, so is just your sister the only one still in AK? I just read your pm you sent me saying are a military brat currently residing in CT., formerly in AK., but you grew up, are from, & most of your extended family now lives in Phillips, WI....1 of my old deer hunting stomping ground areas. So does only your twin still live in AK... I'm curious what outlying region, town, city, hub ? As a military brat, what military branch / base/ city did you live...Elmendorf /Ft. Richardson, Ft. Wainwright ..Army, Air Force ? I was a Postal Worker working freight mail at the airline terminal off Postmark DR., Anchorage, adjacent to the International Airport. I lived on the corner of Island Dr / Muldoon at the foothills of Chugiak Mt. range for a few years, then across Cook Inlet in Gov't Hill ( just off Elmendorf) for another few. I have traveled the Matanuska Valley extensively, as I did throughout AK. My now deceased husband & I also had a drywall biz in AK. My 2 brother in laws & father in law worked the pipeline at Prudhoe Bay. At the time I was there, I was the only woman who had bid for & accepted the position at USPS, moving 10k-20k bulk mail/ shift to the troops stationed at the interior bases, FPOs/ APOs, also any/ all products, equip., etc to all out lying bush areas, & "the outside" ( aka. the lower 48) & internationally. as well. I am as geographically familiar with AK. as a map, as it was my job to know what loading equipment -v- airline or freight carrier, mail needed to be distibuted from: Ketchican, Kenai, Skagway, Valdez, Seward to Nome, Naknek, Antioch, Talkeetna, Soldotna, Barrow, Prudhoe Bay to Bethel, Juneau, Fairbanks, Denali, Glenallen, McGrath, Eagle River, Palmer,Willow, Wasilla, yadayaayada... I didn't particularly care for it when I was there. Anchorage had the highest crime rate/ capita in the nation, & was always working so couldn't really enjoy its beauty & natural resources..but thinking I'd love it now ! Not many have been there to visit, less have traveled there to live...are there now more than 3 Alaska State Highways: Alcan, Seward, Glenallen ?

QuoteJust a little vent! There is no flippin way temps. feel the same no matter where you are!! I don't believe it!!! It's flippin COLD here. I know for a fact the 14 degrees would feel so much warmer in a southern state then it does in Alaska!! Its stinking cold here people!! I can't believe I use to lived here for almost 5 years and didn't realize how cold it was. ----------------------------------------------------- Guess it must depend on what region in AK... I lived in Anchorage for many years. Though the winters were longer, darker, quite abit more snow...the mean temp was actually much milder then the winters I spent in CO Rockies & in my homegrown So. WI. Obviously, in outlying areas ( aka "the bush") & the occassional winter & fronts giving exception to the norm., my experience was no more frigid than what it is right now -20, w/ up to 50 mph winds forecasted, here in very tip of NE. WI

Do the things you've seen and done, the experiences you've had separate you from people who didn't share them? Looking back now at memories that sometimes don't feel like memories I find myself unable to talk about them to people in my life now. They hang around my soul like tombstones that will never leave me, they visit me in my dreams and daytime thoughts. Am I the only one to feel like this? ----------------------------------------------------------- Affecting life occurences; traumatizing or not, tend to cling to every fiber of your mind & every cell of your being. It will affect every relationship you have, every event you participate in, your character, your morals, your self esteem, your existence...as long as you let it in. Sharing with those you are involved in is not always the best thing to 'let it out to deal with it'. They, like 'whuffos' may not always understand, They may offer empathy, a nod, a hug,a symapthetic look, even genuine compassion & remorse for your troubling soul, but you know they really don't understand! Sometimes they may come back to haunt you for sharing your deepest, darkest. There is no one exempt from life experiencing traumas. Perhaps we suffer or differ in degrees & exposure, but never a person totally free from the darkside of life ! Therapy, meds, diagnosis' of PSTD aside....put those memories in an emotional, pyschological box. Put the box in a safe place; under the bed, top of a shelf, in a drawer.. in the regions of your mind & soul...call on it only when you are comfortable & need to, call on prayer. Best Wishes ~Blessings & BlueSkies ~

Recently divorced & newly relocated 300 miles from home, to the total unknown with my LPN school credentials of 2 years, a resume, a back pack & my Harley....literally ... I stated working full time days in Nursing, bartending by night to supplememt my income. Within a short time I met my now husband; a then, & current instructor. I'm starting my 7th season as a full time dz staff packer & current jumper Apr.- Nov.,still nursing the remainder of the year. Past live's: Degrees or Certifications: Early Childhood Education-development & psychology Accounting Real Estate License Skilled Trades Certification Employment: 25 yr. veteran USPS - retired, commingled with 18 years as a pro. drywall hanging / finishing biz. I started babysittig for $ when I was 12, & been working since I was 16: a car hop, wrapped deer meat in a packing plant after school, produce clerk & deli/ bakery mgr. in a grocery store, in home daycare,& a bartender on/ off 38 yrs. Guess it took awhile to find my niche & good fit --------------------------------------------------------- To SKYDIVERBRY: "Flight Medic/Respiratory Therapist." "Right now though I'm a non working full time gimp" ------------------------------------------------------------ people in your employment capacity are truly my heros.. a flight medic crew & pulmonary & respiratory personnel revived my grandson who was clinically unresponsive w/ no vitals for 4 minutes, a few years ago ! It is why I went to Nursing school when I was 48 ! To this date when I see med flight or am intoduced to any med flight personnel, I am overwhelmed ! Thank you, thank you, thank you ...you are all angels

NOPE! Capt. Mom is in Madrid ~ I made the obligatory smoochy smoochy call...washed her car this afternoon, ~and promised to make my famous: 'Stuffed Salmon Surprise' for dinner when she gets back.

Holy cow??? First there's the thing about possibly someone that wears a turtle neck could be a guy now there's the if those pics are me?? What the heck should I submit my finger print and DNA?? I thought the bum pic settled all that I did post a pic of me at 6yrs old with my twin and brother. ---------------------------------------------------------- I'll admit, after our recent pm's exchanges regarding the photo you asked me to help i.d. the jumpers from 15 years ago, had me wondering. After saying you wanted to make contact with the one in the white jumpsuit because you thought he was handsome...made me more than curious. I understand infatuation with an older guy as a 6 yr. old little girl, but 15 years later wanting to re-connect so you can tell him you always thought he was handsome & you plan to do a tandem in the spring....I thought was a little unusual ! One can never be too sure in putting a name to a face to a total cybernet stranger these days Btw: never did get your attachment of a larger viewing of the thumbnail photo you have on your profile page... I know you said you aren't good at sending attachments

Same here, Jim and i used to chat all the time. I loved his Racer with the Cross on the pop top. Chatted with him about a month ago just to say hi and ask how he was. Wish I'd kept in more contact. RIP Mr Manny ---------------------------------------------------------- I was very fortunate enough to have me this great guy at Skydive Adventure a few years back. I am all too familiar with his Racer & the Cross on the pop top. My husband ( then boyfriend) would pack his reserve. As any of you who has closed a Racer reserve would know, they're a bit difficult. | Brad would get the spring loaded pilot about ready to place the pop top & out it'd go like a jack in he box. The fluent bombardment of profanity to come was abit disconcerning to say the least, as I would stare at that cross. It was always good to see him every few months or so... whether for a jump, just stopping in to catch up, or drop off his rig for re-pack ! ~Peaceful Eternal Flights On The Wings of Our Holy Spirit, Dear Friend ~

Absolutely...besides what better way to stomp out the old tale "the stork brought you" or put off the birds n' the bees talk, when the inevitable "how did I get here " question pops up ! Just point to the wall

Hate it...especially when packing tandems, running stows to have to pull out & start again after a student's or spectator's unattended dog runs through the lines, or claws tromp over a canopy, then peeing on it Hate it...especially when fellow jumpers, the pilot or other Staff feel they have built in dog sitters Hate it...especially poo on the dz grounds & landing area, tracked into the packing floor Hate it...especially when an over amped,suffering from seperation anxiety howls & screams while the owner is in ground school or on a jump DZ Etiquette...same as kids...leave them home

UPDATE: civil case was settled via 4 hour mediation, 3 attorneys, 2 defendants present, 1 mediator...& a partridge in a downed evergreen tree Naturally the attorney made out like a bandit. I settled for a fraction of actual damages. Continuing on would 've been more to attorneys in comparison to damages entitlement ! Devils Advocate Mediator held strong we would have hard time proving "intentional" timber theft with intentionally depriving us of forest products prior to his wrongful cutting, therefore punitive damages per 12 member jury would be hard to argue Satisfied its over Criminal case still pending & scheduled for Dec 21. No doubt THEY will petition DA to dismiss...I would like it to go to trial. These people need more than a slap on the wrist & a little inconvenience in their schedules, as the realtor's insurance company will be forking over the majority of civil settlement !

Oct 21, 1955 my mom & dad were married. She just turned 19. He would be 24 a few days later. 2 weeks later she started to experience burning in her legs, while they were dyeing dad's Air Force fatigues 'red' so she could go deer hunting with him. Nov. 10, 1955, he carried her into University WI. Hospital. She was in an iron lung for 6 months. A few months later the vaccine was available to the public. She never walked again. "They" said she would never live beyond the age of 30. 10 children later ( I am eldest ) & 48 years in a wheel chair...she was affected by Post Polio Syndrome & died on Mother's Day 2003. She was 66 years old !

One of many definitions of articulation : Articulation, in art and architecture, is a method of styling the joints in the formal elements of architectural design. Through degrees of articulation, each part is united with the whole work by means of a joint in such a way that the joined parts are put together in styles ranging from exceptionally distinct jointing to the opposite of high articulation—fluidity and continuity of joining. In highly articulated works, each part is defined precisely and stands out clearly. The articulation reveals how the parts fit into the whole by emphasizing each part separately... ----------------------------------------------------------- That's all I mean..understanding the parts ( rig) & realization of potential consequences of sloppy packing by uneducated, unknowing or lazy packers ! "What goes into a pack, comes out in the opening "...too often I've heard, "I don't care. I'm not jumping it " ! Afterall, packing a tandem rig correctly is a form of art & architecture...is it not ?

Did my 1st jump ( tandem ) a month before my 50th Birthday, continued jumping, quit my full time Nursing job to become Lead Staff DZ Tandem & Student Rig Packer. That was 6 years ago, Oct. 14th, 2006 !!!. Since, went through AFF Progression, got my A license at 52, married my Instructor ( who's in his 30's), still jumping & packing tandems & circles around the youngsters in their 20's-30's...NEVER too old !

Thanks for the boost, John

Oh trust me, they got the clue...I don't take getting robbed nor screwed over lightly Attorney fees & drawn out legal process isn't just affecting us. They have had to retain 3 attorneys to date & have 2 lawsuits pending. They have not done anything with their land since the cases were filed, only having driven by occasionally.. We on the other hand, are enjoying ours & our l'il cabin in the northwoods is nearly completed ! We didn't cause anyone harm, nor steal to get it...just lots of good old hard work getting here * The Bonfire: [email] Sit back, relax and vent yer angst! This is the place for non-skydiving related discussions. Just venting my "angst"...but thanks for the advice

CRIMINAL CASE UPDATE: A complaint & investigation request was filed with Wisconsin Supreme Court Office of Lawyer Regulation. Both the defendants law firm and assistant district attorney; also a practicing attorney in ( daddy's) law firm were found guilty of misconduct, wrongdoing. The Assistant DA was also cited for theft. Theft due to providing ( daddy's ) the defendant's law firm w/ evidentary documents & photos provided to & for the DA's office in the criminal complaint. A special prosecutor has been assigned from another county to take over the criminal case. Trial has been postponed & rescheduled 5x, now set for 12/21/12. CIVIL CASE UPDATE: Defendant has filed a 3rd Party Complaint, naming the realtors & their insurance company as 3rd Party defendants, claiming had the realtors not sold them the land as is, per phone transactions, they would not have commited any wrondoing To date, it has been rescheduled 6x, with most current trial date set for 12/18/12. However there is another scheduling conference set for 09/28/12. They are seeking dismissal or a date set further out, yet again. We have offered to settle twice, most recent just the cost of damage to the value of 1/2 our land; the amount of land they clear cut, plus atty. fees. In our last offer to resolve we were not seeking any punitive damages. They declined, so it looks like trial it is, likely many more months from now. We will now be taking it to the fullest extent & entitlement. No doubt the attorneys will fare far more than what any restitution &/ or entitlement to the actual & punitive damages are. In the meantime, the wheels on the litigation bus go 'round & 'round ...in a couple weeks it'll be a year already since the dirty deeds occurred

"carnival ride "...?? "wham bam thank you ma'am... " ?? Thinking those words will never leave your mouth again describing a tandem jump, especially after doing your 1st, instructional or not Best Wishes !

I am a DZ Staff Packer w/ over 10,000 tandem packs Strong, Vector-Sigmas. My husband who is a TI with 1500 tandems, currently jumping Sigmas, has had the similar situations with line twists, chops & reserve openings that are less than comfortable, such as this. Unfortunately, some packers just don't get the signifcance of clearing lines & need for articulation in packing. I understand student body positioning on opening can play a roll on opening circumstances, but far too many times it is a result of lazy, inadequate packing. Could I have your permission to post this video on my fb business & personal site ? Hopefully, packers may get the idea: what you put into a pack, comes out in a pack !!! So glad you worked it out btw: I am definitely proud to say I only have one mal pack job resulting in cutaway within 1st week of packing 6+ years ago, because I take my job very seriously.