February 2012

Flight of Four

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We spotted this flight of four F-16s over Wal Mart in Surprise, AZ today. We enjoy seeing the training that takes place at the Surprise Auxiliary Field – a part of Luke AFB in Phoenix. This group appeared to be maneuvering for a landing at the base.

This is from the official Luke AFB Site:

Luke is the largest and only active-duty F-16 training base in the world with over 135 F-16s assigned. We trained more than 430 F-16 pilots last year many of whom are student pilots who came to this base straight from pilot school to receive intense training on the F-16. These pilots graduate from Luke and proceed to combat assignments throughout the world.

Luke airmen are also deployed around the world in support of several contingency operations protecting U.S. interests abroad. Luke AFB trains more than 50 percent of the USAF’s fighter force and 90 percent of its F-16 pilots. Nearly every F-16 pilot flying in Afghanistan and Iraq was trained at Luke AFB. The F-16 represents the most fundamental form of Air Superiority, Global Attack, Rapid Global Mobility, and Precision Engagement. The pilots trained at Luke formed the backbone of USAF’s fighter force for Operations NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM.

We often see and hear flights over Wickenburg on their way to/from the Gladden One Military Operational Area, just to the North and West of our home. When the jets fly over us there, they are often too high to see even though we hear them. That is why we like to see them near their base because we can see them. God bless our Military!

President’s Day

The Town of Wickenburg has a policy of displaying the Stars and Stripes on holidays. Presidents Day is no exception. These flags are on Wickenburg Way, just across the road from the auto repair shop where we had one of the vehicles serviced today. Click on the image to enlarge.

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Stargazer Lily and Pink Roses

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The flower concession at the supermarket had many of their flowers marked down after Valentine’s Day. I bought a bouquet of pink roses and a couple stems of Stargazer lilies (my favorite). I put them together in a vase in the great room. Click on the image to enlarge.

Hidden Barrel Cactus

I took a hike up to the northeast corner of our lot today. I wanted to take a couple of pictures and look for some rose quartz for Damsel’s cactus and rock garden by the RV driveway. The back half of our lot is natural desert vegetation on hilly terrain. Hidden between the cholla, palo verde, mesquite and creosote (and others), I found this barrel cactus up there. We’re hoping that it will get flowers this April through June for Damsel’s photographic talents. Click on the image to enlarge.

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Only in America

larry.jpgNo excuse for not posting anything here today. Busy with dentists, barbers and generally just retirement ‘business.’ We’ll be back with some more posts and pix real soon.

Meanwhile, somebody needs to suggest that Larry the Cable Guy do an episode of “Only in America” that includes “Boomershoot” or some other major firearms event for the redneck viewing pleasure of America.

Everyone have a real good day! See you tomorrow.

Happy Valentine’s Day

The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas. The association estimates that, in the US, men spend on average twice as much money as women.

The rise of Internet popularity at the turn of the millennium is creating new traditions. Millions of people use, every year, digital means of creating and sending Valentine’s Day greeting messages such as e-cards, love coupons or printable greeting cards.

Me? I’m sending you all this pretty red electronic valentine!