Ken and I were on our way to LCBC Church by 8:20 and had fun chatting with Lloyd, Deb, Gene, and Marilyn before going into the service. What a great message and inspiring music! Jamie's family was at a swim meet this weekend about 2 hours from home at Bucknell College so we missed seeing them.
After church, Ken and I did some grocery shopping at Wal-Mart and then returned home to make breakfast. When finished eating and cleaning up, we drove to Costco for some more needed items. I had a nice conversation with my sister and mother letting them know that we were home safe and sound!
I spent the afternoon doing some much needed reorganizing our office and 2 loads of wash. Ken was tired from all the driving he did the last 2 days (I didn't drive at all!) and then he made salads for us for tonight and tomorrow. He decided to take a walk while I finished the clean-up I had started earlier.
Ken grilled chicken and salmon and it was a wonderful evening to eat on our deck! We watched some TV and I spent a lot of time on the past several days posts and loading all the pictures!
I have decided that I will only do blogs when we are doing something out of the ordinary and not just our daily routines! Probably the next one will be when our family goes to Watkin's Glen for 4 days the end of July. On second thought, I will be excited and post when Wilbur, our motorhome, sells! That will be a special day, both happy and sad!
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Friday and Saturday - Driving Days for Returning to PA
Ken and I were on our way to meet Dan, Jackie, Darlene, and Sandy at a location about 15 minutes from our Hotel. Dan and Jackie decided to stay in Florida with Dustin and his family for another 2 weeks before returning to PA so they could help them with their moving process and enjoy several days of vacation at Lake Lenoir in Georgia. So, Darlene and Sandy needed a way back to PA because they had come to this event with them on Tuesday. Ken and I had volunteered to take them back with us but we did have to give a few of our items to Dan and Jackie because we would not have had room for their things and all of ours!
So on Friday we drove from Pensacola to Bristol, TN a distance of about 600 miles and we had such a fun time. We did so much chatting, I did some crocheting, and we had cards from Trivial Pursuit that I read the questions and we all tried to determine the right answer. It certainly helped the time to pass quickly. We stayed at a beautiful Fairfield Inn and enjoyed a delicious dinner across from the hotel at a wonderful restaurant, Shaney's, where we were able to eat outside.
All 4 of us were so tired and had wonderful night's sleep. The hotel provided a fantastic breakfast that only started at 7, but by 7:30 we were back on the road. Another wonderful travel day with light traffic, fantastic weather, lots more chatting, and Trivial Pursuit! Before we knew it, we were dropping Darlene and Sandy at their homes in Ephrata and we were back in Lititz and it was only 4:30. What a delightful and memorable trip!
We unloaded and unpacked and then decided to take a rest. After watching the news, Ken and I decided to take a walk to downtown Lititz to check on the progress of the Wilbur Candy Factory process. It is looking good, but behind schedule. Now the tentative opening date is the end of July. We did stop on the way home at the local ice cream shop and had some delicious mint mouse tracks treat! The diets begin tomorrow.
Together Ken and I spent time going through the pictures he took while in Pensacola and then I downloaded them and worked on this blog.
These last 3 weeks in Florida have been amazing. Somehow I still feel like I am going to wake up and this whole "condo thing" will be a dream. It seems too good to be true! Also, our time in Pensacola created special memories that will last a lifetime. We are so blessed!
So on Friday we drove from Pensacola to Bristol, TN a distance of about 600 miles and we had such a fun time. We did so much chatting, I did some crocheting, and we had cards from Trivial Pursuit that I read the questions and we all tried to determine the right answer. It certainly helped the time to pass quickly. We stayed at a beautiful Fairfield Inn and enjoyed a delicious dinner across from the hotel at a wonderful restaurant, Shaney's, where we were able to eat outside.
All 4 of us were so tired and had wonderful night's sleep. The hotel provided a fantastic breakfast that only started at 7, but by 7:30 we were back on the road. Another wonderful travel day with light traffic, fantastic weather, lots more chatting, and Trivial Pursuit! Before we knew it, we were dropping Darlene and Sandy at their homes in Ephrata and we were back in Lititz and it was only 4:30. What a delightful and memorable trip!
We unloaded and unpacked and then decided to take a rest. After watching the news, Ken and I decided to take a walk to downtown Lititz to check on the progress of the Wilbur Candy Factory process. It is looking good, but behind schedule. Now the tentative opening date is the end of July. We did stop on the way home at the local ice cream shop and had some delicious mint mouse tracks treat! The diets begin tomorrow.
Together Ken and I spent time going through the pictures he took while in Pensacola and then I downloaded them and worked on this blog.
These last 3 weeks in Florida have been amazing. Somehow I still feel like I am going to wake up and this whole "condo thing" will be a dream. It seems too good to be true! Also, our time in Pensacola created special memories that will last a lifetime. We are so blessed!
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Thursday - Dustin's Change of Command and US Navy Retirement!
Ken and I had a relaxing few hours at the hotel before leaving at 9:30 to go to the Navel Museum on the Naval Base. We were able to get in easily with our Special VIP Guest Pass! The museum is filled with many, many planes that have been a part of naval fleets probably over the last century or so. It was fascinating.
We met our group at the cafe in the museum for lunch at 11 and then had some time to do more touring of the museum. Dan took us to see the brick honoring Dustin's retirement and the Hawkeye Aircraft that Dustin had flown in many times during his Navy career. It is the Navy's primary carrier-based airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. His particular plane was the last one to land on the Naval Carrier the Enterprise before it was "retired"! So, the Navy decided that because a Hawkeye Aircraft was not represented in the museum to place that particular one there. Now Dustin's name will be part of history forever as the lieutenant commander of that plane because his name is written on the outside of the plane! What an honor!
At 1:00 the ceremony began for Dustin to pass on his commander position to the officer under him. FYI - Dustin is the Commander of the F-10 Hanger here at the Pensacola Naval Base and is in charge of training all the pilots that are stationed here, except for the Blue Angels and the jet pilots. It is a very distinguished position and he is such a capable and very humble leader that is loved and respected by all those under him. His boss, the Commodore, spoke at the ceremony and it was obvious how much he was impressed with Dustin and appreciated working with him.
The retirement part of the ceremony was so moving also. He received a flag that he presented to Leticia, got certificates from all the living Presidents, and Leticia, Teya, and Cael also received recognition as the family of a career serviceman. Dustin's speech was amazing and his presentation exceptional. The ceremony ended with the ringing of a bell and the blowing of the whistle symbolizing the ending of a Naval Career and the entrance- into civilian life. Dustin walked the "bridge" 1st and then did it a 2nd time with Leticia, Cael, and Teya. It was a real tear jerker! All in all, Ken and I were so honored and thrilled to be a part of this entire experience!
After some cake, Dustin's family, parents, aunts, uncle, and Ken and I went to the IMax theater in the Museum to watch a movie on the activities on a Naval Carrier! Very interesting!
Ken and I went back to Hagy's hotel before we all went to the special dinner at the Fish House for Dustin's guests, family, and friends to continue the celebration of his special day. We ate on the deck and the food was delicious. Everyone had a great evening. Ken and I were back to our hotel by 9:30 and we went right to bed.
We met our group at the cafe in the museum for lunch at 11 and then had some time to do more touring of the museum. Dan took us to see the brick honoring Dustin's retirement and the Hawkeye Aircraft that Dustin had flown in many times during his Navy career. It is the Navy's primary carrier-based airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. His particular plane was the last one to land on the Naval Carrier the Enterprise before it was "retired"! So, the Navy decided that because a Hawkeye Aircraft was not represented in the museum to place that particular one there. Now Dustin's name will be part of history forever as the lieutenant commander of that plane because his name is written on the outside of the plane! What an honor!
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| Jackie and Dan, Dustin's parents, and his children, Teya and Cael! |
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| This is Dustin's plane, the last one to land on the aircraft carrier, the Enterprise! |
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| Wow, his name will be on the plane for all to see! |
At 1:00 the ceremony began for Dustin to pass on his commander position to the officer under him. FYI - Dustin is the Commander of the F-10 Hanger here at the Pensacola Naval Base and is in charge of training all the pilots that are stationed here, except for the Blue Angels and the jet pilots. It is a very distinguished position and he is such a capable and very humble leader that is loved and respected by all those under him. His boss, the Commodore, spoke at the ceremony and it was obvious how much he was impressed with Dustin and appreciated working with him.
- This was a ceremony before Dustin's, but they had to add about
- double the number of seats when his turn came!
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| Dustin gave a very gracious and moving speech! |
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| The medal on the screen was presented to Dustin! |
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| Certificate for his years of service! |
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| Changing Commanders! |
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| A speech by the next commander! |
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| Dustin was trying to take it all in! |
The retirement part of the ceremony was so moving also. He received a flag that he presented to Leticia, got certificates from all the living Presidents, and Leticia, Teya, and Cael also received recognition as the family of a career serviceman. Dustin's speech was amazing and his presentation exceptional. The ceremony ended with the ringing of a bell and the blowing of the whistle symbolizing the ending of a Naval Career and the entrance- into civilian life. Dustin walked the "bridge" 1st and then did it a 2nd time with Leticia, Cael, and Teya. It was a real tear jerker! All in all, Ken and I were so honored and thrilled to be a part of this entire experience!
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| Certificates from all the living Presidents! |
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| Receiving the flag that Dustin presented to Leticia! |
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| Leticia, Teya and Cael got certificates too for the part they played in Dustin's career! |
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| Time to walk the bridge symbolizing leaving the Naval life and entering his new life outside of the Navy! |
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| A cake party after the ceremony! |
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| Dustin's nickname in the Navy was Eeyore and I love the quote that does a good job of summarizing how Dustin lives his life! |
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| Dustin's immediate and extended family! |
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| We were so thrilled and grateful to be part of this special time! |
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| One of the gifts Dustin received! |
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| This was another special gift from the airmen he oversaw and this metal wall hanging was done by one of the men! |
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| A photo of the hanger he was commander of and the different positions he has had during his Naval career! |
After some cake, Dustin's family, parents, aunts, uncle, and Ken and I went to the IMax theater in the Museum to watch a movie on the activities on a Naval Carrier! Very interesting!
Ken and I went back to Hagy's hotel before we all went to the special dinner at the Fish House for Dustin's guests, family, and friends to continue the celebration of his special day. We ate on the deck and the food was delicious. Everyone had a great evening. Ken and I were back to our hotel by 9:30 and we went right to bed.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Wednesday - What An Amazing Day at Pensacola!
Ken and I left the hotel at 8:30 and drove the 35 minutes to the entrance to the Pensacola Naval Base to meet Dan and Jackie. We followed them to the hanger where Dustin has his office. There we met up with the rest of the "gang" including Dan's sister's Darlene and Sandy, Jackie's brother, Randy, Dustin's wife, Leticia and their children, Teya and Cael, plus Letitia's parents, 2 aunts and uncles. What a great group!
Leticia took all of us to Dustin's office to wait for him to return from his last flight as a member of the US Navy. He got back later than planned because the plane had engine troubles when they got to their breakfast destination and another plane from the base was sent for his return flight.
When we walked down to the tarmac, we had the opportunity to see the hanger and all the planes he commands!
When his plane got near the runway, the pilot circled once and then landed within 100 feet of where we were all waiting. He was greeted with ice water (Dustin said he was thankful they repaired the ice machine last week - Not!) and champagne shower to celebrate his last flight.
Then we all went back to a room near his office where he hammered his wings onto the "wall of fame"!
After changing clothes he joined us on the tarmac where we had the privilege of watching the Blue Angels practice their entire routine right over our heads - it was amazing and we had a "ring side" view!
Following the "show" Ken took some photos of Dustin with his parents and then all of us had the opportunity to go to the Officers Club on base for lunch. It was delicious and so reasonable.
Dustin had to leave to go to a rehearsal for tomorrow's change of command and retirement ceremony. Ken and I followed Dan and Jackie and their sisters and brother to their hotel (about 25 minutes from ours) to play cards and chat.
Then it was off to a Happy Hour with hors d'oeuvres at the Fish House only 5 minutes from their hotel. It was on a deck overlooking the water and a beautiful evening for a celebration. We had so much fun spending time with folks we hadn't seen for quite a while.
Ken and I were back to our room by 9, did some reading, and it was off to bed. We were so thankful we were invited to this celebration and were able to attend.
Leticia took all of us to Dustin's office to wait for him to return from his last flight as a member of the US Navy. He got back later than planned because the plane had engine troubles when they got to their breakfast destination and another plane from the base was sent for his return flight.
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| Entering the Naval Base! |
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| Dustin's hanger on the base! |
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| Dustin's office is the windowed area and it overlooks the tarmac! |
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| His photo hangs everywhere in the hanger building! |
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| This is the back part of his office..... |
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| ....and this is his desk area! |
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| This is the plane he has flown in during a lot of his career! |
When we walked down to the tarmac, we had the opportunity to see the hanger and all the planes he commands!
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| These are the airplanes that pilot trainees fly under Dustin's command! |
When his plane got near the runway, the pilot circled once and then landed within 100 feet of where we were all waiting. He was greeted with ice water (Dustin said he was thankful they repaired the ice machine last week - Not!) and champagne shower to celebrate his last flight.
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| This is Dustin's last flight with one of his pilot trainees! They are saluting us! |
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| ...and here comes Dustin! |
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| We are all waiting for him to depart the plane! |
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| The celebration begins - cold water and champagne! |
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| Dad and mom are so proud! |
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| And so is his son, Cael! |
Then we all went back to a room near his office where he hammered his wings onto the "wall of fame"!
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| Hammering his "retired" wings into the wall.... |
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| ....and then writing a brief messaage! |
After changing clothes he joined us on the tarmac where we had the privilege of watching the Blue Angels practice their entire routine right over our heads - it was amazing and we had a "ring side" view!
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| The Blue Angel pilots are heading to their planes! |
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| .....and they are off! |
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| Here we go! |
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| Returning at the end of the show - amazing! I was impressed by Ken's fantastic photos! |
Following the "show" Ken took some photos of Dustin with his parents and then all of us had the opportunity to go to the Officers Club on base for lunch. It was delicious and so reasonable.
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| Lunch at the Officer's Club |
Dustin had to leave to go to a rehearsal for tomorrow's change of command and retirement ceremony. Ken and I followed Dan and Jackie and their sisters and brother to their hotel (about 25 minutes from ours) to play cards and chat.
Then it was off to a Happy Hour with hors d'oeuvres at the Fish House only 5 minutes from their hotel. It was on a deck overlooking the water and a beautiful evening for a celebration. We had so much fun spending time with folks we hadn't seen for quite a while.
Ken and I were back to our room by 9, did some reading, and it was off to bed. We were so thankful we were invited to this celebration and were able to attend.
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