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06/11/26 10:25 PM

#17231

David Mitchell

Continued

I was given my first mission on a late afternoon. We almost NEVER began a mission other than mornings and I think this was a last minute call that would be simple and easy. Or so I thought.

I was to take the Troop up to neaarby Moc Hoa ("muck wha") and help some Colonel insert some troops in a fairly routine drop location. Simple enough. Even with a full bird Colonel giving me directions from my back seat. We somehow managed to drop them on the wrong side of a treeline, and he started yelling his head off at me over the intercom.

As we were atemptig to turn around and re-locate them it had turned dark and we experienced something I had never had before - a hydraulics failure. This is like loosing your power steering, only you are airborne and you can't just pull over and stop. It's simply scary as hell!

So we headed back to the little airfiled at Moc Hoa and me and my co-pilot (forget who) had to (both) stand on our pedals with our backs pushing against our seats and both of us using both hands to wrestle with both "cyclics" and "collectives" to try to guide the ship into a curving descent.

The Colonel kept on raging and started yelling about calling for our "court martial". He simply would not shut up! And his asistant, a young Captain would add a nasty comment or two now and then.

I finally had had enough and sqeeezed my microphone button and yelled something like, "Colonel", when we get down on the ground you can do whatever you want with us, but right now were having a hydralics failure and I want you to shut the hell up and pray we make it down alive."

With that he finally shut up. We then had to call our other ships on the ground and asked them to get some flashlights out on the end of the runway (Moc Hoa had no lights).We had to fight our way around in a large semi-circle to make our aproacch to the little airfiled.

We got it down somehow and the Colonel had completely calmed down. We had to end the mission and leave two ships (one of the gunships also had some sort of mechanical problem) and take the guys home.

There is a much worse part of this story that I will have to omit. This was my first time as AMC. There would be other challenging episodes

06/12/26 12:10 PM

#17232

Michael McLeod

we were discussing "oh canada," the canadian national anthem.

call it up on line and have a listen.

it is the most pleasant national anthem you'll ever hear. our national anthem is practically rap music in comparison to "Oh Canada" which is captain kangaroo snuggly. you could put the kids to sleep with it.

They seriously are the most pleasant people I've ever met.

I may have already mentioned working with a few of them when i was stationed at a nato installation in germany peopled mostly by Krauts on one side, Canucks on the other. Got along great with both having picked up a little german from my mother's side of the family. Her parents spoke German to each other, used English with the children.

06/12/26 01:59 PM

#17233

Michael McLeod

I can recall having home grown weed in my wilder college days, Nina.

06/12/26 03:11 PM

#17234

Nina Osborn (Rossi)

Ahhhh....the good ole days...😂. I hear it was popular...my kind of weed is NOT popular!!! back in the 1970's teaching days we had to check the parking lot at lunch...not for cigs... but for kids (high school) smoking pot!! Kids much quieter after lunch!!!

06/13/26 09:38 AM

#17235

Michael Boulware

I am in mourning: Watterson baseball team lost in the state chsmpionship game to Hamilton Badin 7-2

06/13/26 10:12 AM

#17236

Michael McLeod

yep too bad. proud we made it to the final though.

06/13/26 03:26 PM

#17237

Michael McLeod

I got curious as to whether ohio state ever took somebody's name off a building because of scandal or whatever.

found this:

The university has received hundreds of requests from students, nurses, and abuse survivors demanding the removal of billionaire Les Wexner’s name from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the Les Wexner Football Complex. The protests stem from his past financial and personal ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. However, as of 2026, the Board of Trustees has kept the names on these buildings, with some reviews remaining under formal consideration. [1, 2, 3]
Historical Figures: Ohio State has also faced student-led pushes to rename historic buildings like Bricker Hall over the namesake's segregationist past, although no formal requests have successfully stripped names through the official procedure. []

06/14/26 12:32 AM

#17238

James Hamilton, M. D.

Coffee with a View

After dinner at our favorite eatery on Saturday nights, we often stop by our nearest Starbucks for a cup of coffee. This particular one is but a 5 minute drive from, and on the way home to, our house. It is a nice place with large windows facing west and great views of the Rampart Range, which is part of the front range of the Rocky Mountains.

The baristas are mostly students at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) which is just across the street from this shop, and we enjoy talking with them about what they are majoring in, where they are from, and their plans for the future. Besides, at that time in the evening, the place is mostly empty as many students are studying, on dates, etc.

Jim

06/14/26 09:05 AM

#17239

Michael McLeod

Wow, Jim. Given the view and the bracing mountain air, I'd guess you'd hardly even need the caffien to perk right up.

06/15/26 10:18 AM

#17240

Donna Kelley (Velazquez)

Beautiful blue hues, Jim! Great photo of your café backdrop.

06/16/26 09:41 AM

#17241

Michael McLeod

You know senility is setting in when you forget which one is your sock drawer.

06/16/26 12:53 PM

#17242

James Hamilton, M. D.

Donna and Mike,

Thanks for your comments.

Yeah, surely going to miss those mountains and rarefied air 🥺.

Jim

06/16/26 09:59 PM

#17243

Michael McLeod

happy to see fellow gardeners about

it's been interesting gardening in two locales - first columbus now down in orlando.

different strategies, obviously, in the two locales. For example I remember in columbus digging mums up in the fall and potting them so they could winter iin the basement as opposed to risking death via a monster freeze. sure is sweatier work down here tho! and i'm still strugging to get good blooms....i'm thinking flowering plants love cool weather as a chance to relax, kick off their shoes, sit in their living rooms watching home gardening shows with parades featuring vegetation from cold weather climes.

06/17/26 12:48 PM

#17244

Michael McLeod

And I don't wanna hear any whining about weeding! You guys come down here to Florida and you'll see weeds that will just sit there and glare at you like scary-ass street thugs. They make ohio weeds look like, well, pansies.

Actually I'm grateful to have a small yard and a big patio and pool so that leaves me with a much smaller lawn to deal with. I am currently trying to figure out how to patch up a place where the bottom of my pool is peeling but I'll take pool patching over weed whacking any day.

06/17/26 02:40 PM

#17245

Michael McLeod

am i the only one who just now discovered that describing something as "piss elegant" is an insult? I thought it was a casual and kinda cool way of complimenting somebody!

Jeeze. It's a wonder I never got punched. If I ever told any of you that you looked piss elegant I apologize.

06/18/26 08:14 AM

#17246

Michael McLeod

Jim: You've no doubt mentioned this already but forgive me: why are you moving back to Ohio?

I am bemused by the symmetry of my own personal geography. I spent my childhood and young adulthood in Columbus, which is smack in the middle of Ohio. Decades later, after a long career writing in the Sunshine State, I am here, straight down the map due south from Columbus in the middle of another state here in Orlando, which is smack in the middle of Florida. Being smack in the middle of things has been an ideal set-up for a journalist. I'm also enjoying it as the perfect setting - much as I miss Ohio - for retirement.

I wish you well in your own geographic journey. I know it is a trial but I hope it comes out well for you in the end. The circle of life, mapwise and otherwise, eh?

06/18/26 07:37 PM

#17247

James Hamilton, M. D.

Mike McL.,

We are moving back to Ohio essentially because that's where we need to be at these remaining years in our lives.

And, no, I am not saying we are on death's doorstep or anything like that, but we are at the point where we know that family assistance will likely be needed and Janet has a large family on whom we can rely for help when needed.

Additionally, the daily tasks of keeping up our house and yard are becoming more difficult and even more likely could be injurious as we age. So, downsizing and apartment living makes more sense now for us. Even though we we have great health care, dental care and all kinds of stores, people in trades and various occupations on whom we depend and trust, it is family that will be there and "on call" on a moment's notice.

So, it is with many mixed emotions that we leave Colorado, but also with fond memories and, to some extent, excitement to be back where our lives began and the people that mean so much to us.

Jim

06/19/26 09:41 AM

#17248

Joseph Gentilini

Jim H - it will be good to have you and Janet back into Central Ohio! Welcome back. Joe

06/19/26 11:15 AM

#17249

Michael McLeod

I've lived in florida for a long time but it still freaks me out to tune in the weather and they start taking about "triple digits" weather.

110 degrees in Orlando at the moment. I was planning on weeding. Now I'm not.

06/19/26 12:13 PM

#17250

Joseph D. McCarthy

Mike, as an Old timer I have only a couple of words for you - SMART MOVE.

06/19/26 02:31 PM

#17251

John Maxwell

Speaking of geographic journeys...reminded me of my trip in 2001-2002 for Chevrolet.I had been doing training and consumer events around the country for the manufacturer. Hired by Campbell/Ewald, the ad agency for Chevy. After a series of successful events I had produced, the Thunder Tour, for the Monte Carlo NASCAR Racing program. The Tracker sales Training Tour, and a number of others. I was very skilled at planning and directing crews of presenters, stagehands and laborers. Because of my success they invited me to produce the Olympic Torch Relay. Mind you a "normal" tour would last a few months with as many as 10 stops on the schedule. The torch relay was by far more difficult and different. It took all the logistics traning I received in the Army, and some amazing luck.
We were one of three sponsors. Coca Cola and the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC). I ran the Chevy crew. We had 84 workers, 42 transport vehicles for them. 6 semi trucks packed with equipment, tents electronics, and three hauled show cars for display.
Starting on Thanksgiving weekend we arrived in Atlanta for the beginnig of the relay. It was because Atlanta was the last American city to host the Olympics. The first Torch Barer was Ali. I was videotaping it for posterity, and asked the champ to throw a few punches into the lens. What a guy! Ali was always a hero for me and to meet him in these environs was just too much. I have other stories of encounters with the Champ. I once drove a taxi in Detroit, and got a call to pick up someone special. It was Ali, going to breakfast with his nephew across the street the street. I walked in to the hotel lobby, he was standing there, I shouted hey champ, got your ride. He waved knowingly, holding up one finger. Told him I'd be out front in the blue ABC cab. He and his nephew got in the car and I proceeded across the c street.as I was maneuvering across the intersection, I noticed he was clipping coupons out of the paper. I thought that's why he's so rich. Anyway when I dropped them off he reached into his pocket and withdrew a gorilla mask and started to put it on. As he entered the restuarant I said a small prayer that no one in there had a gun. I love it when prayers are answered.
I digress. The torch relay by far was the biggest job I ever accepted. Had it not been for several folks with whom I worked putting things together it never would have happened. In the end I couldn't tell you an exact figure of torch bearers, but I can tell you it took 62 days from beginning, in Atlanta to the end in Salt Lake City. Over 24,000 miles in 62 days. I drove an average 385 mile a day. I had one celebration truck I had built so it could open up to three times it's size and people could go through and play video games, scoring on a virtual goalie, or design an Ice Skating routine for Michelle Kwan, go down a Virtual Ski Jump. We also had a trailer with Olympic memorabilia including medal and training equipment.
During this epic journey I came to adopt my first two rules for life. 1. Know where you are. 2 Know where you're going. Grueling is a word I often think of when I recall that gig. But then I always heard work was supposed to be hard. So when I say I've everywhere six times it's bs, it just been twice.
The story of the flame: How does the flame get from Mt. Olympus, Greece to wherever the games are played. Here's how. The ceremony begins in Greece, when several young maidens ascent the mountain with a parabolic mirror in the shape of a bowl. In the bowl I'd straw that is ignited by the Sun. The flame then ignites several gas fueled lanterns. Those lanterns are then transported to the last location the Olymics were held in the host country. In the up coming LA Olympics they will fly it to SLC and the relay will start there. Delta is the preferred flame transport. All the flaming lanterns are boarded into the passenger compartment and are placed on a seat back tray. The lanterns are a mix of propane and butane gas. I could go on but ...it's exhausting just thinking about this memory.

06/19/26 03:25 PM

#17252

John Maxwell

Speaking of geographic journeys...reminded me of my trip in 2001-2002 for Chevrolet. I had been doing training and consumer events around the country for the manufacturer. Hired by Campbell/Ewald, the ad agency for Chevy. After a series of successful events I had produced, the Thunder Tour, for the Monte Carlo NASCAR Racing program. The Tracker sales Training Tour, and a number of others. I was very skilled at planning and directing crews of presenters, stagehands and laborers. Because of my success they invited me to produce the Olympic Torch Relay. Mind you a "normal" tour would last a few months with as many as 10 stops per three teams on the schedule. The torch relay was by far more difficult and different. It took all the logistics traning I received in the Army, and some amazing luck.

We were one of three sponsors. Coca Cola and the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC). I ran the Chevy crew. We had 84 workers, 42 transport vehicles for them. 6 semi trucks packed with equipment, tents electronics, and three hauled show cars for display.
Starting on Thanksgiving weekend we arrived in Atlanta for the beginnig of the relay. It was because Atlanta was the last American city to host the Olympics. The first Torch Barer was Ali. I was videotaping it for posterity, and asked the champ to throw a few punches into the lens. What a guy! Ali was always a hero for me and to meet him in these environs was just too much. I have other stories of encounters with the Champ. I once drove a taxi in Detroit, and got a call to pick up someone special. It was Ali, going to breakfast with his nephew across the street the street. I walked in to the hotel lobby, he was standing there, I shouted hey champ, got your ride. He waved knowingly, holding up one finger. Told him I'd be out front in the blue ABC cab. He and his nephew got in the car and I proceeded across the street. As I was maneuvering across the intersection, I noticed he was clipping coupons out of the paper. I thought that's why he's so rich. Anyway when I dropped them off he reached into his pocket and withdrew a gorilla mask and started to put it on. As he entered the restuarant I said a small prayer that no one in there had a gun. I love it when prayers are answered.
I digress. The torch relay by far was the biggest job I ever accepted. Had it not been for several folks with whom I worked, putting things together, it never would have happened. In the end I couldn't tell you an exact figure of torch bearers, but I can tell you it took 62 days from beginning, in Atlanta to the end in Salt Lake City. Over 24,000 miles in 62 days. I drove an average 385 mile a day. I had one celebration truck I had built so it could open up to three times it's size and people could go through and play video games, scoring on a virtual goalie, or design an Ice Skating routine for Michelle Kwan, go down a Virtual Ski Jump. We also had a trailer with Olympic memorabilia including medal and training equipment.
During this epic journey I came to adopt my first two rules for life. 1. Know where you are. 2 Know where you're going. Grueling is a word I often think of when I recall that gig. But then I always heard work was supposed to be hard. So when I say I've been everywhere six times it's bs, it just been twice.
The story of the flame: How does the flame get from Mt. Olympus, Greece to wherever the games are played? Here's how. The ceremony begins in Greece, when several young maidens ascend the mountain with a parabolic mirror in the shape of a bowl. In the bowl is straw that is ignited by the Sun. The flame then ignites several gas fueled lanterns. Those lanterns are then transported to the last location the Olymics were held in the host country. In the up coming LA Olympics they will fly it to SLC and the relay will start there. Delta is the preferred flame transport. All the flaming lanterns are boarded into the passenger compartment and are placed on a seat back tray. The lanterns are a mix of propane and butane gas. I could go on but ...it's exhausting just thinking about this memory. There are so many stories, from the pre-event drives, to trying to rally dealerships to participate, holding watch parties at their shops. God, it was like pulling teeth. You'd think we'd asked for money. We did. They're logic was much better. Why give them the money? We supplied the mobile attractions, labor and souvenirs. I washed my hands of the dealer nays, and focused on the ones who were serious about the Olympics. The weather: Winter Olympics take place in the winter. In Buffalo, N.Y. the Nationl Guard plowed a thirty foot high mountain of snow around our celebration site we sd little flash torches, and combined with the fireworks made a spectacular event, and made the whole trip worthwhile. It was moments like that, that make it memorable. Like once I flew all night once to Sicily, only to drive at night up a mountain to my hotel and wake up the next morning, walk outside into a cloud that suddenly drifted off Mount Erice, revealing the Southeastern Mediteranean. As I strolled through the cobblestones streets of this exquisite resort mountain location I read the names of the five families nailed to the doors. As I looked down the mountain to the north, was Trapani, home and birthplace of la Cosa Nostra. Memorable.

06/19/26 04:04 PM

#17253

Michael McLeod

dang jack. looking back now i'm thinking i was around to seeing the genesis of a lifelong wanderlust. I've bounced around a bit but i suspect you've got me beat.

06/19/26 09:00 PM

#17254

David Mitchell

Jim,

I feel your pain man. After my accident a few years ago, my kids made me promise to unload some of my "stuff". They even want me to move back north. I have no idea why I have accumulated so much "STUFF".

-------------

Jack,

I think I shared this a while back - so aplogies for the repetition - but your "Ali" story reminded me of the night ar Disney hotel (about 40 years ago) when I rode the hotel elevator with Michael Jackson and this other friend - who had no idea who Michel was at the time. We got off the elevator and he asked me "What was that all about?" (the commotion of 2 little 13 year old girls jumping on the elevator at the last moment asking for his autograph as we got on.

We have laughed about it for years and he told me his nieces have teased him about this story for years.

06/19/26 09:54 PM

#17255

David Mitchell

Just for fun

No. This is not THEE OHIO STATE Marching band

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