Thanksgiving 2009

A picture is worth a thousand words. We are extremely grateful!!!

November 20, 2009 Update

The morning started out with the awesome smell of fresh banana bread with blueberries and walnuts. Erika was up early baking an assortment of bread, muffins and cookies for her neurosurgeon. It came from a heart full of gratitude for someone who could have rushed her to surgery, but was slow and methodical. We have been very pleased with Erika’s neurosurgeon and the care she has received.

Erika had another CT scan today. As the doctor put it, “the white crab of death is gone.” He is referring to the area of blood that shows up white on the CT scan that resembles a crab. It was very prevalent on her earlier scans and thank God it is gone! He also told us that although he isn’t sure where the bleed came from, he does know the region of the brain and said that it was not a "subtle" bleed. The plan is to do another arteriogram in a couple months to take another look to make sure nothing was missed.

It will be possible for Erika to graduate on time if she can keep on schedule with her remaining rotations. Please pray that she will have the strength to keep up the pace and the wisdom to know when to slow down. She still feels quite weak and tires easily. Also, the headaches are much improved but are still present.

Thank you for your continued prayers,

Tim

November 19, 2009 Update

It was a week ago today that I brought Erika home and she is doing better each day; however, she still continues to be weak and has headaches. My parents started their journey back to Indy on Monday morning and I started back to work as well.

Friday we have a follow up appointment with the neurosurgeon. If he gives his blessing, and Erika is up to it, I plan to drive her up to Ok City, 3 hrs north, to start her next rotation. They are aware of what has happened. I plan to stay nearby until she can come home on Wednesday for Thanksgiving break.

Erika’s family is planning to drive out from PA and OH to be here for Thanksgiving since our trip to PA at Christmas has been cancelled. It will be fun to have all five of the nephews here to love on Erika and I can assure you the eating will be better than the best Golden Corral you have ever had. I say that for Erika’s benefit since she hates, or should I say dislikes, Golden Corral.

So if you would be so kind, please continue to pray that Erika’s strength will continue to increase and the headaches will continue to decrease, also that her arms will continue to heal.

Gratefully,

Tim

P.S. I plan to respond to all your emails. It’s just taking a little while.

On the Lighter Side

I'm going to get in big trouble for this one. How do you get a little boy to stick out his tongue when he doesn't want to?

A Thank You from Erika

I’m usually not one for sharing my life on a blog. I tend to be a very private person and keep my world to myself. But in this situation, I have been extremely blessed by all that Tim has shared with you. I am humbled by the number of people all over the world who have been praying for me, from soldiers in Iraq who are in harms way daily and have bigger things to worry about to children saying their bedtime prayers, and everyone in between. I say a big thank you with a heart full of gratitude. I also want to thank you for all the support you have given to Tim. This has been such an emotional roller coaster for him. For years I have lovingly called him “the most wonderful man in the universe”, and he has certainly lived up to that during these past 2 weeks. He has been by my side every day all day long taking care of me in ways that I never thought I would need. Having someone feed you, brush your teeth, do everything for you … is very humbling.

8 days in Neuro Intensive Care, then 6 additional days in the hospital has been such an incredible experiential journey that is impossible to put into words. Through this entire time I have had a sense of peace and strength that can only come from God and not from myself. God has been so very gracious to me. I realize how incredibly blessed I am to come through this alive and without any ongoing deficits. One thing I do have from it is a new perspective on life. I have had A LOT of time to think, reflect, pray … and gain a new appreciation for each day I am given. As Tim has mentioned, Kari Jobe’s music has been a great comfort to me during my time in the hospital. From her song You Are For Me … “I know that You are for me. I know that you will never forsake me in my weakness. I know that you have come down, even if to write upon my heart, to remind me who You are.” … He has come down, written His love upon my heart, & I have been reminded in a very real and personal way who Jesus is. I pray that the love and grace He has poured out on me will flow through me to others. I told Him He could take me home to Heaven, but I guess He’s not quite ready to put up with me there, or He still has work here for me to do… I’d say it is the latter.

It is so good to be back home again! As my body continues to recover, I am still very weak and get tired so easily, but I can feel improvement as time goes on. As the blood from the subarachnoid hemorrhage continues to be reabsorbed, my headaches continue to lessen. I appreciate your prayers for continued healing and strength. I am taking this next week off. I follow up with the Neurosurgeon at his office next Friday ... I must say I never pictured myself walking into the Neurosurgeon’s office as the patient! The following Monday I plan to start back into clinical rotations to finish medical school on time and graduate May 21, 2010 – God willing.

Thank you again for your outpouring of love, support, and prayers! ... and all the cards and flowers you have sent (I have almost 100 cards!!!)

May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you: May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Erika

November 12, 2009 PM

It was two weeks ago today that Erika was taken by ambulance to Plaza Hospital after suffering a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage two days earlier. This afternoon Erika walked without help and climbed in the Toyota for the trip home without as much as a limp. After a stop at Corner Bakery for a loaf of her favorite bread, at her request, we are finally home. Halleluiah!!!

The following are 10 observations I made during the past two weeks.

10) The phrase, “your wife has a subarachnoid brain hemorrhage” causes instant nausea even if you don’t know what it means.
9) The top and bottom of PJ’s must match even when you are deathly sick.
8) The adhesive that they use to attach the body monitor probes with is very hard to remove without sandpaper.
7) Hair de-tangler is an awesome product.
6) Life events such as this one are very effective at jump starting a spousal weight loss program.
5) Long hair is a lot of work.
4) To many flowers in a hospital room smells like a funeral home.
3) I can sweat and have goose bumps at the same time.
2) Nurses are a gift from God and appear more useful then Doctors. (Good thing I’ll have both soon)
1) God still does miracles!

If you doubt #1 then copy, paste, and read from the following link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subarachnoid_hemorrhage

I read it for the first time this afternoon and have been in amazement every since. I saw Erika’s brain scan from when we first arrived at the hospital and it looked just like the picture. I also saw the one from Sunday. It was as different as night and day. This is because of your prayers. I hope this has increased your faith as much as it has mine.

I know you all have several questions that you would love to ask. So I’ll just answer them. What caused this? I don’t have a clue and from what I can tell neither do the Dr.’s. Will it happen again? From what the neurosurgeon told me, the likelihood of the vessel doing it again is next to “nil.” Where was the bleed? Answer number one applies.

So where do we go from here? The outpatient brief was to return to normal activity and see the Dr. in a week and a half. Erika called and scheduled the appointment for next Friday while we were still at the hospital. Why so soon? Well, because she is planning to be in Oklahoma City for her next rotation in a week and a half. I’m just shaking my head.

So you think you have great co-workers? Try to top this one. My co-workers have paid to have a professional Chef prepare our meals for the next two weeks. Erika and I thank them so very much. Especially Erika; I think she would get tired of Chick-fil-A pretty quick.

I probably won’t be updated as often now since I will have to be getting mind back into work. However, Erika told me that she wants to do a personal update in the next day or two so please check back.

I give you a big heart filled thank you for all your love and mostly your prayers. Somebody’s prayers made it through. Please continue to pray for us. I need to know when to pull the reigns and when to loosen them. Erika is going to need a lot of strength and the head pain to totally go away.

With much Love!!!!

Tim & Erika

P.S. The porch light is off now. I just went looking for Erika. She is planting flowers in the front yard. I’m not kidding.

November 11, 2009 PM

This has been the best day yet. The news came this morning from the Internist and then later tonight from the Neurosurgeon. There is no aneurysm; therefore, a surgery is not required. Around a week ago we had heard similar news; however, a test later in the week revealed a possible aneurysm in the basilar artery. If there was one or not I do not know, but I do know it’s not there now. This is a team win for all those who prayed for her healing. The following was on one of the cards Erika received today. It seems particularly fitting after the last two weeks.

No Ocean Can Hold It Back.
No River Can Overtake It.
No Whirlwind Can Go Faster.
No Army Can Defeat It.
No Law Can Stop It.
No Distance Can Slow It.
No Disease Can Cripple it.
No Force On Earth Is More Powerful Or Effective Than The Power Of Prayer.

Kari Jobe’s music has been a great comfort to Erika during the past two weeks. The below song has been especially comforting during the long sleepless nights. It has reminded her that our God has everything under control and that she needs to just be still and rest in his loving care.

By the way, if things go as planned, I can turn the porch light off tomorrow night. ; )

Thanks again for your prayers,

Tim & Erika

November 11, 2009 Noon Update

The aneurysm that was thought to be in the basilar artery is not there! Chew on that for awhile. : ) We are waiting to find out what’s next. Erika is comfortable and is as pretty as ever. She is talking about getting back to her school work. She is adamant that she will be in Oklahoma in two weeks for her next rotation and that she will graduate with her class. : ) I think the biggest challenge for me is to not hold her back, but on the other hand to not let her overdo it.

I’m starting to hear interesting comments from her doctors. I’m not so sure they were thinking she would be doing as well as she is this soon, plus no rehab??? We should never underestimate the power of prayer. Most of that statement is directed at me.

We are going to have an awesome day and pray you do too!!!!

I have to go. Erika says we are going for a walk. : )

I’ll update again tonight.

Tim

November 10, 2009 PM

Day 14 and one day closer to going home.

The “A gram” has come and gone. We have not gotten the “official” results back yet; however, the “unofficial” results have us cautiously optimistic. I will leave it at that until we hear it from the neurosurgeon in the morning.

Erika spent somewhat of a miserable day. The dye that they injected in her head made her nauseated and sick. In addition, after the test she had to lie on her back for six hours without moving. However, she is rebounding tonight. We have spent the last hour going through more cards. Several nurses have commented, “you must have a lot of people that love you,” when they walk in and see all the cards. We quickly tell them that they are so right!!!

Please continue to pray for strength and healing. A trip home soon would be nice too; however, we don't want to rush things.

Before Erika’s test this morning she said that I have earned my keep for awhile longer and that she figured she would keep me around. This is good news. Winter is coming and the shed will be getting cold. : )

Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

With much love,

Tim & Erika

November 10, 2009 Noon Update

Erika has had the A gram and is resting. Now we wait for the results.

While watching her sleep I typed out a few of my rambling thoughts which you will find below. Feel free to tune out at this point. I’ll update again later once we find out the results.

They call them bumps in the road of life. Sudden life changing event’s that sneak up on us. Why they happen isn’t always clear and at times we struggle to understand them. Although it hits us especially hard when it involves a child or young person, I have observed that it can be just as difficult for those involved regardless of age.

I have seen a lot in the past two weeks. A 17 year old boy who passed out after school and has not woken up to an elderly man alongside his unconscious wife day after day. I have had the chance to comfort a 78 year old man who has just been diagnosed with brain cancer to a young girl who has lost her mother. As we well know, pain is no respecter of persons.

I also understand that it is so easy to say “God is Good” when things are going the way we want them. But what about when things don’t go the way we think is best? I have been reminded of the below story several times through out this “bump in the road.”

Two Traveling Angels
by Unknown

“Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole on the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied..."Things aren't always what they seem".

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel "how could you have let this happen!? The first man had everything, yet you helped him," she accused. "The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let their cow die."

"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmer’s bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave her the cow instead. Things aren't what they seem."

When we don’t understand, let us take comfort in the fact that our God is Sovereign and is all knowing. We see the little picture and he sees the big. What we see for ill he sees for good. Although, I don’t believe God puts the bumps in the road, I believe he uses them for the better good. May I always be able to say “God is Good” even when I don’t understand.

November 9, 2009 PM

Day 13 plus one day closer to going home

This was the best day yet!!! I think I have been saying that for awhile and I like it. Erika’s strength has greatly improved and the pain has continuing to decrease. I know that means we are one step closer to going home.

To say I wasn’t disappointed that the test was put off until tomorrow would be untrue. However, I am thankful that Erika was in good enough condition that she wasn’t a priority today. From the sounds of it, if the test comes back with an “all clear” we will be going home very soon. If an operation is in order it will push that back a bit. Anyway we look at it though; the results will be fine tomorrow. If everything is resolved and there is no aneurism I shall stand on the roof and sing the hallelujah chorus. (Maybe I shouldn’t. There are enough sick people around here already.) If they do find one and an operation is in order, then let us be thankful that it was found so it can be treated.

Erika wanted me to share II Corinthians 12:9 with you tonight. The Lord said to me “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Erika is thankful to God that she can feel her body healing and asked that you pray for continued healing and strength. I second her thankfulness.

Maybe I’ll get my truck washed tomorrow. I need to get it looking good for my Queen's ride home. : ) BTW I have been entrusted with the door combination to the nourishment room. This has afforded me with a supply of popsicles and Blue Bell ice cream…for Erika of course.

We continue to be humbled by God’s mercy and the love and prayers of our friends.

With lots a love,

Tim & Erika

November 9, 2009 AM

FYI:

I had an early arrival this morning at the hospital for Erika's A Gram. Shortly after I arrived we found out that the test is again being put off until tomorrow. It has nothing to do with Erika, but something to do with scheduling. But that is okay. We are blessed that it is not an urgent matter. I’m sure there are others that need it more than Erika at this time. Erika and I pray that you all have a great day. We plan to!!!

November 8, 2009 PM

Santa Barbara, CA July 2009, Erika's Birthday Dinner
Day 12,

Last night’s CT scan showed a “dramatic” improvement and the blood is continuing to decrease. A week ago we were so happy when Erika was able to brush her teeth by herself. Today she fed herself and was able to shower and wash her hair with me standing guard. It wore her out, but she did it!!!!!

Tomorrow is the arteriogram (A Gram). A test last week revealed a possible aneurism in the basilar artery. I’m thinking that the A Gram will let us know if we are going home soon or not. I can’t wait to be able to post a picture of us leaving, but everything in time.

The card count is over 50 now. It reminds me that we can never underestimate the importance of good friends. I find it interesting that no two cards are alike. The planning has been impeccable. LOL

Erika’s scripture for tonight is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.12 … when you pray, I will listen. Please pray that Erika’s strength will increase and that the headaches will totally resolve. I wouldn’t be disappointed or surprised if the possible aneurism is gone. Watching this whole thing from the side of the bed has been nothing short of amazing.

Tonight the Dr. gave me the first bit of advice for after we leave the hospital. I am to no longer give Erika the last word. From now on I am to have the last words and they are to be “yes ma’am.” I thought this advice was rather ridiculous. After all does he think I could still be married after 15 years and not know this? LOL

Thanks again for the outpouring of love and most of all your prayers.

Tim & Erika

Erika and her five nephews that she loves so much.

Day 12

For some reason I’m a little tired tonight so will try to keep it short. It must be that hospital food that is wearing me out. LOL

It was a good day and for that we are grateful!

Only one test today with no reported results. We spent the day resting, watched a Nascar race and rooted for Erika’s Penn State Nittany Lions. We won’t bring up the score since she is able to read this on her I-Phone.

We were blessed tonight to meet a young girl named Erin. She heard about Erika and wanted to come see her. She is a second year nursing student who lost her mother three weeks ago due to a similar bleed following a car accident. I told her that I would be praying for her and figured you all would too.

I continue to add to my skill set. I have become a docent for the hospital. I’m not sure it’s a good sign when people start asking me for directions to different units and I actually know where to send them. The ladies in the hospital Café know me by name and the nurses’ tend to think I am on payroll. That’s okay though, it has its benefits.

Erika asked me to share this scripture with you. It was in a card sent from my cousin. I think it fits nicely. Jeremiah 30:17 For I will make you healthy again and I will make you well from your wounds, says the Lord…

It was a week ago Sunday that healing started to come as people prayed. This Sunday please give Him thanks for He has been so merciful. Although we have an uncertain week ahead of us, Erika and I have a peace about it. We still need your prayers though so don’t get any funny ideas about stopping.

With much appreciation,

Tim & Erika

November 6, 2009 PM

Day 10

This has been a good day. It has been good in so many ways and we continue to count our blessings. The arteriogram did not happen today due to equipment failure, but that’s okay. Life has downshifted to neutral for the time being and that is good.

Erika improved greatly today and is out of NICU. The headaches continue to decline and she was up in a chair for awhile. The walks are becoming longer and her smiles are becoming more frequent. Since they now plan to perform the arteriogram on Monday they have moved her out of ICU up to a very nice private room. All the monitoring devices and cords are gone, except for the leg pump thingies (LPT’s), and the silence is golden. She has her own bathroom and shower. This is nice. Especially since this morning, I started my day off performing my first solo “NICU Baptism.” The NICU Baptism is where you wash the patient’s hair while they lay in bed. I like the shower idea a bit better.

In celebration of our leaving NICU, Erika saved her peach cobbler from lunch and had me pick up some Blue Bell ice cream from the hospital Café. We enjoyed it greatly. It was a grand celebration!

Erika is full of appreciation for all the wonderful cards and many prayers. I set them up around the room so she could see them from her bed. Erika asked that you pray for increased strength and for wisdom for the doctors. We are so grateful that so many of the prayers have already been answered.

For tonight I feel that I have gotten so much that I have prayed for that I just want to you to thank God for his mercy and goodness toward us.

For the weekend it looks like we are going to get a chance to rest.

With much love and appreciation,

Tim & Erika

November 5, 2009 PM

Santa Barbra, CA July 2009

In Erika’s words this was the best day yet and I agree. Today’s highlights were that she amazed the PT therapist, and me, by walking not once but twice across the unit and back. Second, she is eating so well they removed the IV food drips tonight. Third the headaches are starting to let up. There are longer periods between the pain meds.

There were no test today and no visits from the Neurosurgeon. Tomorrow there is an arteriogram scheduled, and then we wait again. That is okay though. We don’t want to rush into anything. The last arteriogram she had was last Friday, and the Dr. told me afterward that it would take him 4 hours to complete his report. Depends what time they do it tomorrow, but I guess it may be late tomorrow night or Saturday before we hear the results. I then suspect we will have the plan of action laid out to us. I am thinking it will be a procedure or a trip out of NICU. I am praying for the trip out of NICU.

From Erika: She is so blessed and humbled by the outpouring of love and prayers from all of you. She asked that you continue to pray for her strength and healing. She also wanted me to share Isaiah 41:10 with you. “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

For me, that the Dr’s will find a perfectly healthy brain system tomorrow.

I have been asked about my job with my being off so long. I have been blessed with the best job in the world and an amazing bunch of co-workers. Our agency is small with less the 400 total employees. The aviation side of the house is small group of around 100 employees. We are a tight group who look out for one another. My co-workers stepped up and took my November on-call rotations and have poured out there love and prayers on Erika and I. Erika and I have gotten emails, cards, and gifts from most of them, all the way up and including the Chairman. I have 11 plus weeks of sick time saved up plus I normally work full time from home. This will allow me to keep an eye on her once we get her home.

I counted 15 cards in the mailbox tonight. I figure the mailman is trying to figure out what is going on. I’m going to have to keep him away from Erika when she gets home. I’m afraid he is going to start thinking he needs to meet her if she is that popular. : )

I noticed Erika spent a lot of time in deep thought today. I think maybe I did too. We shared my I-Pod headphones and listened to the song below. It had special meaning.

By the way, every porch light I could see was on when I came down the street tonight

Thanks again for your love and prayers.

Tim & Erika

November 5, 2009 AM

How does ZERO DEFICITIS sound?? I know that is a big word for me and not exactly sure what it means, but I think it is something like this. ZERO DEFICITIS = BIG MIRACLE!!!

This is just one fellow’s observations.

Not out of the woods yet. Keep the prayers coming?

November 4, 2009 PM

Day 8 Still in NICU

This was a good day from all outward appearances. Erika slept good last night and, in my opinion, had the best day since last Tuesday. The Neurosurgeon did not stop by today so we have no new news from the medical side of the house. She will have more test tomorrow and Friday.

Erika told me today that she is pleased with the care she is getting. She feels they are thorough and are not jumping to decisions. I tend to agree. The only thing that is happening fast around here is....well I guess I can’t think of anything. I think that is good.

I have kept my days busy with keeping track of med times and finding the nurse when it’s time. I think this has helped keep on top of the pain. I also think I could be good at handing out samples at Costco. I can cut one chicken breast in 20 equal sizes and can say, “would you like to try some chicken...potatoes...beans? How about a gram cracker?” I am also now proficient at foot massages and coming long brown hair.

I asked Erika what she wanted me to share with you all tonight. She asked for her bible and read Philippians 4:6-7 to me. The very small print too I might add.

Philippians 4: 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

She also wanted me to tell everyone thanks so much for your prayers and to pray for continued strength and peace. Before I left tonight she said, “Make sure you include the word “continued” in there because I have felt strength and peace through all of this.”

For me, please pray for Erika’s pain to go away and that when the doctors finally do come around that they come with good news. I think my blood pressure rises 50 points when I see one coming close. That’s bad because I am going to be living with one in the near future. For those that don’t know, Erika is to graduate med school on May 21st. I have told her school that I think they should give her credit for a 4 week rotation as a patient. Sounds logical to me.

Erika and I have so much to be thankful for even at this stage of the game. To those who are in the know and for those who have researched her diagnoses you understand. Erika and I give 100 % credit to our Creator.

Thanks again for all your love and prayers. I’m sorry I am getting behind on email; however, I’m reading them all and passing them on to Erika. The cards are really starting to arrive now. Erika is having me set them up on a table in her room where she can see them.

For those wanting to visit, call ahead before you drive. Erika's door guard is pretty mean. : )

With two (plus all of yours) hearts so full of gratefulness,

Tim & Erika

November 4, 2009 Morning

Erika called me this morning with a list of things she wanted me to bring in. She also said that she had a good night and that the nurse kept on top of her pain so she could sleep. That has me smiling this morning. I probably shouldn't be writing these things so late when my emotions are low. We are going to have a good day!!!!!

Keep the prayers coming!!!!

November 3, 2009

Another nephew



To put it in Erika's words, "It's been a bumpy day." She is in a lot of pain and very weak. Now to the good news: Erika is alive and four times as smart as me even with brain problems. Okay five times.

Today at 4:00 central marked the one week point.

After a couple of test today we were briefly told at the end of the day that they might have spotted a “small” aneurism. Is that good news or bad??? My only thought is that if they can’t find a problem they can’t fix it. I hope to find out more in the morning rounds. At this point they plan for another angiogram on Friday. Then??????

I asked Erika how you all could pray for her. She said the following: 1) For the awful pain to go away 2) For her arms. They have stuck her so many times and have blown a vein or two. The medicine burns every time they inject her which is about every hour and a half. 3) She is struggling some with the why and just asked that you pray that God will be glorified through all of this.

Tim’s list: 1) Mental and physical strength to be strong for her. 2) That I don’t get sick. 3) That Erika’s emotional state will stay strong.

We will get through this with God’s help!!!! Please keep up the prayers!!!!!!

By the way, the porch light stays on until she gets home.

November 2, 2009

Last year while we were in Nicaragua this little girl gave Erika this flower and wanted to hold her hand everywhere we went. She kept telling Erika she was so beautiful. I agree!

It was a good day! The thought that keeps going through my head is that our God is so merciful and that Erika and I are so very blessed.

Say what you will about the power of prayer, but I received emails that people were praying yesterday for Erika in Churches across America, Brazil, Honduras, and Iraq. Yesterday things started swinging back for the good. (See yesterdays post) The big news for the day is that this morning’s CT scan revealed that the bleeding has stopped and the body is starting to absorb the blood. If that doesn’t make you smile nothing will. Erika and I thank you oh so much for your prayers; however, please don’t stop! There is a long road ahead.

When I walked in this morning Erika gave me a big smile and said it had been a good night. She wanted me to hear a song that she had been listing to on her I-Phone during the night. I’ve posted it down below so you can listen to it.

Reinforcements arrived today in the form of my parents. Their job is to take care of me so I can take care of Erika.

What to pray for: 1) That the horrific head pain will subside and the blood will continue to be absorbed. 2) That we move forward each day and don’t regress.

When I got home tonight the mail box had a bunch of cards. Thanks a million!!! I’ll hand deliver them first thing in the morning.

With a grateful heart,

Tim

11/01/2009 Evening Update

Erika and Andrew, one of our five nephews

Today was a good day. Small improvements appear very large at this point. For the first time in 5 days Erika was able to keep fluids down. Not only did she keep fluid down she had a little bit of solid food for lunch and dinner and kept it down. Yesterday her blood pressure kept spiking. Today it stayed down around 143/72. He fever was gone. Erika was so proud that she could brush her teeth by herself today. I was too : ) Her blurry vision and tremors have subsided.

The last two days have been a lot different than Thursday and Friday. Those days she was telling the nurses what she thought she needed and talked a lot. The last two days she has slept a lot and been very quiet. She is still very sharp, but not so interactive with the nurses. It seemed to change when the Dr gave us the news that she was not going to have to have an operation. I think she started to feel she was going to make it through this. I have been the door guard and letting very few people see her. Her brain needs to rest.

I’m getting pretty good at the nursing thing. I can now install and activate those on your lower leg pump thingies pretty good. I can tell you when the next round of pain meds is due and in what quantity. I can also get the blood pressure cuff reactivated once it stops for some unknown reason. The biggest thing I figured out is if you pull the wall plugs on all of those buzzing and pinging machines that Erika sleeps better. I figure by the time this is all over I should be able to sit for my nursing boards.

For those of you that are wondering what you can do to help, here are three suggestions: 1) Pray for her head pain to subside and for a fast recovery 2) Send her a card 3) Send an email

Each night I have set down and read her your emails and cards. She is enjoying them. I have a too!

Our address is as follows:

Erika LeBaron
5425 Crater Lake Dr
Ft. Worth, TX 76137

My email is: tjlebaron@sbcglobal.net

For those who wish to know, the clinical name for her diagnosis is a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Google it if you like, but I choose not to.

One more thing; I have known Erika for about 18 years and have been married to her for over 15. Although, I have known she was a strong person, I have never seen a person so calm and mentally strong in the midst of such a scary experience. I can’t say the same thing for myself.

Thanks again so much for all your love and prayers. We will get through this with God's help.

Love.

Tim & Erika

My Love 10/31/2009

Most of you have probably heard by now, but on Tuesday night the love of my life suffered a brain hemorrhage. Life since then has been a roller coaster to say the least. Since I am too exhausted to give you every detail, I will get to the important ones.

There are so many things that we are thankful for. She is alert and sharp. After being gone to Virginia for 4 weeks on med school rotation she had just gotten home. It was day two of her new rotation so better then being half way through. Erika can tell you the place and time it happened. She is alive!!!!!!

What can you do?

She needs prayer!!!! Although she is awake and alert, she is in so much pain. They don’t know where the bleed is coming from. She will spend the next 1-5 weeks in the hospital. Recovery will take 3 to 4 months. I have been reminded that this is a serious bleed and we are not out of the woods yet. Right before I left tonight Erika told me that her kidneys were starting to work again. She had not bothered to tell me that that had not been. She also started getting a low grade fever tonight.

Please pray that the pain will stop and that she will have a speedy recovery. Please also pray for me.

Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Tim

Reklaw, Texas Flyin 2009

Saturday 10/24/2009 the hangout was the Reklaw Flyin. It is a three day event with plenty who camp under their airplane wing for all three days. This is a private airfield and on Staurday there were over 500 airplanes. It was one happening place. Craig and I were very glad that we didn't have to work while we were there. At the end of this post is a YouTube link to a clip put together by who knows who.


Looks kinda pretty from way back here

Waco

Clint & Carol landing in Big Red

Airplanes waiting to takeoff

Bring your tent and stay awhile




New Dallas Cowboys Stadium

Clint & Carol

Turbine Powered Cessna L-19

Cedar Mills Fly-In 10/17/2009

The gang flew up north to the Texas and Oklahoma border today for a fly-in.









They call it a "Breezy." I wonder why?????


Dallas Skyline





Looks like everbody is getting into this "dye your hair blond" thing.

Albuquerque New Mexico Balloon Fiesta

About 6 months ago my 78 year old uncle and I made plans to meet in Albuquerque, NM for the balloon fiesta. He drove down from Colorado and Craig and I drove up from Texas. After the balloon fest Craig and I drove south down around El Paso for a RV airplane fly-in. Saturday evening at the fly-in there was a banquet with over $26,000 worth of raffle prizes. Nope we didn't win a thing. The proceeds were split between a local home for boys and a home for girls. It was a long drive, but oh so worth it.

'09 Colorado Trip Slide Show w/ Cajun Music

Compliments of Wade Cotton

Labor Day at Coyote Field

A great time was had by all this weekend down at Clint's place. The day was complete with lots of, food, dirt bike riding, R/C airplane flying, dune buggy riding, and airplane rides. Well everyone except Erika. She had her nose in a book studying. We took Alex our neighbor boy with us. Unless I’m mistaken, he had a good time. The first two pictures were taken from Wade’s R/C airplane. A biggo Texas thank you to Clint and Carol for their arm spreaden, toe thumpen, belly rubben, knee slappen, ear twisten, nose picken good time.

"Uncle" Don Roberts

Don Roberts is the only man I know that can dream something up and carry it through to completion. tl








An interesting read. Written by Michael Mossman

Don Roberts is passionate about airplanes. As the youngest of four children growing up in the Noblesville area, Don built model airplanes as a little kid. He was taught to identify by engine sound the aircraft overhead by his eldest brother, who
was a WW-II veteran.

Don graduated from Noblesville high school in 1956. He claims that when he left for college everything he owned would fit in one A&P shopping bag. After four years in college, his fortunes had doubled, as all of his earthly possessions would now fill
two shopping bags!

Don learned that he was about to be drafted just a few weeks before graduation at Ball State University. He visited a Navy recruiter, who promised that if he joined he would be allowed to graduate before starting his training. Don started out in the Navy serving on an aircraft carrier (the first that he had ever seen) in the V1 Division, which was the flight deck division. As Don tells it, this was an extremely dangerous division, as the carrier lost sailors at the rate of about one per week, even in peacetime. He says that they often had to drive a Jeep across the deck at night without lights,escorted by sailors on foot. There would be tugs moving aircraft, cranes, elevators and catapults in operation, all the while
there were spinning propellors everywhere.

Don got himself promoted to V2 Division (Catapults and Arresting Gear), then V3 (Hangar Deck). Next came V4 (Fuels and Ordnance) and V6 (Aircraft Maintenance); there is no V5 Division in peacetime. V6 became a very lucrative position for the young sailor. Don learned that the Navy discarded many parts overboard, and was allowed to keep much of what was no longer needed. Taking a cure from sailor on board who was a member of the EAA, Don rounded up many parts and instrments for his eventual first aircraft project.

After leaving the Navy Don started out teaching Industrial Arts at a junior high school. His school's principal had been a brigidier general. Since Don had recently served in the military he quickly earned the respect and friendship of his principal.
Next. lured away for only $40 a year more, Don started teaching Auto Mechanics at a high school. He managed to acquire some tractor engines for his students to learn on. Always looking for something new and different to motivate his students,

Don started having them rebuild an aircraft engine. Don had written a letter to the professor of Air Science and Butler University. The professor drove out to visit him,
bringing many books, and eventually brought a set of primary glider plans. The school administration was not interested in funding Don's educatioin projects, so he was left to bankroll them through his own meager earnings.

One day, while sitting on the bleachers at school, he noticed that they were made from Douglas fir. Some of the school staff mentioned that there were many more Douglas fir boards around. Don "liberated" a few boards for his class projects. He found some materials on grading aircraft wood and used that knowledge to craft the glider spars from the fir. From an acquaintence Don learned that a local company was building garage doors from aircraft grade spruce. He managed to scrounge up some spruce supplies for the rest of the glider parts. Don and his students covered the glider with locally-provided silk and painted it with yellow school bus paint.

Don flew the glider at Terry Airport, often towed behind a pickup truck driven by his students. Don, his students and the project were featured on Channel 8 and 13 newscasts and in several newspaper articles. A channel 13 reporter asked to fly
the glider. The reporter stalled it at about 20 feet of altitude and crashed but emerged unhurt. Don eventually donated the glider to the EAA museum.

Don began looking for his next project. Through his research he learned that Great Britain had sponsored a design competition so hew got a set of the winning plans for a single-seat aircraft. He changed the design from a tricycle gear to conventional gear and got his students committed to building it. After completion it was eventually sold to a buyer in Rome,GA for the princely sum of $2400. Don believes that it is still flying.

Next, Don wanted to build a scaled-down warbird replica. He knew that he wouldn't be able to scale down a mid-wing aircraft, so he searched for a low-wing model that might be built. A friend of his claimed that Grumman would often send engineering plans just for the asking. Don ended up getting a set of model aircraft plans for the SBD aircraft and tried to scale them up. From his school's audio-visual department he learned that proportions would be true from an overhead projector, but only near the center of the screen. Further, he discovered that to maintain accuracy the projector would have to be positioned in exactly the same spot for every drawing. So Don "nailed down" the projector on a Friday afternoon and spent the entire weekend with his more talented students tracing the scaled up drawings on the wall for the project.

Don realized that the paper or acetate plans would expand as the projector heated them up so he tried to stabilize them with a piece of glass. To his surprise the glass exploded from the heat. He devised a system of fans to keep the projector
operating at a consistent and reasonable temperature. From these plans Don and his students built a three-quarters scale Dauntless dive bomber from metal. In this scale Don says that the plane was tail heavy. They sold the plane to a fellow in Oklahoma City, who corrected the balance problem.

Eventually it was donated to an air museum in San Diego, where it still resides.
After the Dauntless were Tri-Pacer and Stinson rebuilding projects. While the Tri-Pacer was in the shop, Don was visited by a new director of education, who declared that the projects weren't "education." Don's political woes were starting to dominate his profession. Don claims Industrial Arts are at the bottom of the educational caste system. He was never given any project funding and rarely any tools. After 23 years of teaching he resigned his position as department head but
continued to teach.

Don and his students finished up a Japanese Zero replica in 5/8's scale during his 24th year of teaching. He says that in this scale the wood-and-foam aircraft balanced very well. It was donated to the EAA. During his 25-year tenure as an Industrial Arts teacher, Don and his students built four airplanes and rebuilt another 11. He
financed nearly every bit of these projects from his own pocket and acquired many of the materials through his resourcefullness. Over the years he put up thousands of dollars in front money for his student projects, many times having to wait until the kids had enough money to pay him back for the engines or tractors or whatever else they were requilding. He says that he lost only $200 once from his personal investment in his students's education.

When researching materials for his students, he contacted Vincennes and Purdue universities to see what books they used. Both were using 43-13, so the Noblesville Industrial Arts students were reading 43-13, too.

Don says that he was never able to earn a real living from teaching and had to work a second job to make ends meet. Frustrated with the political climate in education and the long hours working two jobs, he resigned after 25 years as a teacher.
Don started a new career rebuilding or completing unfinished houses. Not content to walk away from his passion for airplanes, he and Larry Jacobi bought some land started Noblesville Airport so that he and his students wold have a place to
fly from. At 72 years of ages, Don doesn't think that he wants to start another aircraft building project. Don says that building his own airplanes was among his greatest and most satisfying accomplishments.

He used airplanes as motivators and teaching tools. Among the many airplanes he acquired for restoration and repair projects were two jets. Originally Don promised his students that if they earned an A in his class he would give them an airplane ride. Later, he discovered a few challenged students who really wanted a ride but were unable to to get the A. He revised his requirement, only asking that they write him a letter asking for a ride. Don estimates that he put "10,000 hours" on his Aeronca Chief giving rides to students.

Several of Don's students have kept in touch with him over the years. One female student is now an airline pilot and calls regularly. Another works for a company that makes aircraft parts; he travels all over the world. Yet another student
designed some parts for the lunar excursion module (LEM) used on the moon. And one student now flies an Airbus to Europe. Naturally, Don's taught his share of students who got into trouble, too. While touring an air force base museum, some of the
kids broke away and managed to sit in some of the exhibits, where they were caught by the military police. Don requested that the MPs scare the heck out of them. They were taken to the brig and shown the cells. Now one of those former students
is flying cargo planes.

At 72 years of age, Don doesn't think that he wants to build any more airplanes. After finishing four one-year terms as president of Noblesville's Chapter 67, he's kept busy with his business, operating the airport and flying his airplanes.

Colorado 2009

Houston, Texas Trip

Yesterday I logged 5 hours, flew to 6 airports, and landed 7 times. The morning started with a quick flight over to Lancaster with Craig for breakfast. Saw a neat Piper Pacer while there. Then back to Grand Prairie to pick up Erika. We then flew down to Corsicana to meet up with Clint and passengers and Craig. Then it was off to Houston to drop off Erika to meet up with a friend for lunch. Leaving Craig's airplane in Houston, he jumped in with me and we flew over to the Sport Flyer's airport to look at a Super Cub with Clint. Then Craig and I back over to Houston to look at a Cessna 170 for Craig, retrieve his airplane, and picked up Erika. Then the whole gang flew over to Brenham, Texas for supper. (The home of Blue Bell Ice Cream) With our bellies full of hamburgers and ice cream, we had a beautiful evening flight home.

Did you get all that straight?????

HOUSTON WEST AIRPORT


SUPER CUB

PACER

YAK 18

ON FINAL FOR HOME

Flying machings of the 4 amigos

Lake Texoma Catching!!!

Contrary to popular belief, I do not always catch one like this on my first cast.



Hmmmmm I just don't know what to say about this one.



Madeline and Addie (Richards Daughter)



The important thing to note here is that Craig is sort of smiling!!!!



It helps to hold the fish close to the camera!!!



King Richard and his Minnow (A 20lb minnow)



Craig plays the Wii master!!!

When It's All Been Said and Done

Vroom vroom!!!!!!

The Cream Machine!!!!!!!!

Saturday BBQ Run

Okay okay okay....I know there is good BBQ within a mile of the house but that's no fun. Sometimes you just have to fly out for it.



On Final



Once at the airport you hop on a waiting golfcart and drive to the grub.










Not very often Erika gets to go along because of school






Until next time......

Mustang On the Roll

Not every day a fellow gets offered a ride in a P51D



Coming out of a loop



and out of a roll



Cool picture

Spud Flies

I know what you did.......

"Spud" makes it home!!!!!

My trip to Colorado with my dad to bring Spud home was a success. Dad flew in from Indy last Tuesday and we flew to Grand Junction on Wednesday evening. We spent Thanksgiving with my Uncle Bill complete with lunch at the Golden Corral (Senior Discount). Friday was spent loading up and 22 hours driving between Saturday and Sunday got us home. Make sure you look at the ones at the end of Alex, Blake and little Carter.



Here are a couple memorable stories.

Last night in Albuquerque dad and I had just finished eating at Cracker Barrel (the trout) and I decided to top off with gas. I pulled into a little gas station that really wasn't big enough for the truck and trailer but I squeezed in anyways. The place was very crowded with travelers heading home from their Thanksgiving travels. As I stood pumping gas a fellow walking around from behind the gas station caught my eye.

He looked to be an older American Indian who was very well lubed up with alcohol. I could see his long gray hair sticking out from below his well work cowboy hat. He was dressed in a flannel shirt, jeans, and an old tattered coat. He had a black patch over one eye. He used one hand to lean on his wooden cane and the other to hold his prized possession, a can of beer. I watched his expression as he saw the airplane on the trailer. He suddenly stopped walking; his eye got big and blinked a couple of times. As he stood there swaying while leaning on his cane I could almost hear his slurred words as he said slowly, “Woe!! I walked a lot further then I thought. I’m at the airport.” With that he downed his beer in one gulp, threw the can down, and shuffled back the way he came.





The other funny story came when I got home. Before taking Spud out to the airport I swung by the house for a few minutes to unload a few things and to see Erika. I got out and was leaning over the truck bed when I heard a couple of yelps and here came the neighbor boys running for all they were worth. As they came running across the yard their mother was screaming at them to get back inside and get their shoes and coats on. “Who cares that it’s 50 out today. There is an airplane in the front yard!!!” All three of them were barefoot and mom only convinced them to stop long enough to get their shoes on. Little Carter started to cry when he found out we couldn’t fly it today.



As Erika asks me often, “Why can you never leave an airplane together?” I don’t know the answer to that question and am not sure if I ever will. Maybe that will be on my list of questions for Saint Peter. However, since this post is about two months old, Spud is back together and first flight may be this weekend. Stay tuned!

The Neighbor Kids after their Airplane Ride

Colorado Trip 2 of 2

In an attempt to keep all my campaign promises I figured I had better get Colorado trip 2 of 2 blogged. After all, the trip was in 08 and we are now in 09.






I drove from TX to Colorado Spring to meet up with Erika’s parents, brother and wife, and my two nephews. They had taken the train from PA to visit Focus on the Family.





From there it was on to Grand Junction/ Fruita to my uncle's and to pick my parents up who had flown in from Indy. Like most trips to that area we took a drive up into the Colorado National Monument.





Me and my Ma





We also took a day trip to Rifle Falls. I have driven by it many times, but did not know it was there. This is one cool place that I plan to visit again.



From there I drove to the Grand Lake area to meet up with my good friend PH. PH and I used to work together when we both taught for Vincennes University. I got him into fly-fishing and this was our third annual fly-fishing trip to CO. We generally get a guide for a couple of days.









Who knows where 2009 will take us; however, I don’t plan to sit in a lawn chair by the backyard pool for long.

On a Wing and a Prayer

It just isn't any fun unless you turn up the sound.

Thanks to Wade Cotton who knows how to take some cool footage.



RV-4 EShort Clip .wmv

Colorado Trip 1 of 2

On July 25th, Craig, Wade, Clint and I headed to the mountains of Colorado for eleven days of camping and riding the jeep trails. We visited Villa Grove, Crested Butte, Ouray, Silverton, Durango, and ended up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Although we came back with lumps, bumps, and bruises, there were no broken bones.





The first three nights we stayed at a cabin owned by a friend of Clint’s. While there we went over Hayden and Ute Pass and visited the Colorado sand dunes.






Hayden Pass was a killer because of the steep terrain and the loose rocks. There were several spills on this pass and it took us better then two hour to go the first two miles; however, the sun was shining on top. ...and the spills...nothing that a garden rake wouldn't fix.



From Villa Grove we drove to Crested Butte and set up camp. We camped out for three nights in the national forest and enjoyed the "spring" flowers in full bloom. I got a little fly fishing in at Sugar Creek and we rode the bike through some beautiful areas.

Craig had checked to see if his cot would fit in his tent before he left home. Unfortunately he had not taken the cot out of the storage bag; however, he had a back up plan.

There was still snow at the higher altitudes. This made sleeping pretty comfy. Evening temperatures where in the 40's. Back home in Texas it was in the 100's.





From Crested Butte we packed up and headed to Ouray (Little Switzerland). We camped a few miles outside of town and had a blast racing the three miles into town costing with our engines off. It was our own little soap box derby.


While in Ouray we drove up Yankee Boy Basin. Like most of our other adventures, this one did not disapoint. This fellow managed to high center his SUV.

After this photo was taken we passed up a husband and wife riding their four wheeler up the basin. A short time later Craig announced that while looking down the mountain on one of the hair pin curves he saw the four wheeler rolling down the mountain. Riding back down to where they went over the edge I found both of them in pretty good shape. The last I saw them they were heading to the hospital. I shall remain mum as to which of the two was driving the four wheeler.

After two nights in Ouray we drove the Million Dollar Highway south to Silverton and then on to Durango. If you have never made this drive you are missing one of the best drives in Colorado. The steam train runs between Silverton and Durango. As a side note that you can't live without, I remember as a young boy my parents bought me my first fly fishing reel while passing through Silverton.

Outside of Durango while riding along an 'interesting" trail, Craig's inside foot peg hit a jutting rock. The result was that his back tire went over the edge of this narrow trail. The back tire was down in the dark area below where his tire is now sitting. For some reason this made him excited.

The last night we spent in Santa Fe before heading back to Texas. Years ago while on a business trip to Santa Fe, Erika had the "Worlds Best Coconut Cream Pie." I have only heard about it for...well years. So, doing what any good respectable husband would do, I bought her a piece and kept it on ice until I got home. It survived and she was happy so I was happy.

So what's next? Interesting you should ask. Life has been pretty boring lately. I got home from Washington, D.C. tonight and deserve a break. Fortunately I have tomorrow night to pack beeeeeeeecause Thursday night after work I'm going to back to Colorado for another week. This time it is for a more serious matter. I'll be stalking the elusive trout. Huh? Well it is serious. I could slip and fall in them waders. aaaaaand what about those sharp fishing hooks? See I told you it was serious.

Which brings me to another serious discussion; on the flight home tonight I was reading the fine literature in the back of the seat in front of me. While flipping through the AA magazine I came upon the crossword puzzle. Well me no dummy so I got out my pen and decided to kill some time. I started with the across questions first. There were questions like, rhymes with orange. Or “what is the third ingredient in my grandmother’s favorite recipe.” Errrwowzer who does these things? Ah ha you thought I got skunked didn’t you? No sir. I got one right three up from the bottom. It was….get ready…..”Fluff from the dryer is called?” Hmmmm what is it? Well I aint telling cause only us smart people can do those crossword puzzle things. I’m beginning to think that people just fill them in with any letters just to look smart. I bet if you really looked their letters wouldn’t spell a thing.

Which brings me to another head shaking point. You ever see those big wedges that they sell that you blow up and put in your lap so you can lean against to sleep while your on an airplane? Can you imagine what the person seating next to you would do if you pulled it out of your bag and started blowing that thing up? I recond I’ll leave those ponderments to another night.

My Heroes

I hate using the word hero because it doesn't exactly fit. Maybe "those I admire" would be a better descriptor. Many people I know look up to movie stars and athletes. I tend to not give a hoot about either. However, the early astronauts and early military pilots are a bit different. Did you ever give it much thought as to how much courage it took to get on the top of a rocket and go on a three day journey to the moon and then a three day trip back? Or how about to climb in an airplane day after day for missions over Germany with very high odds that you weren't coming back. We owe these men a women a lot!

I have passed up a couple of opportunities to see US Presidents because they don't do much for me. Just another politician. However, give me a chance to see an Apollo astronaut and I'll make drastic measures to be there and on time. With that said, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to one of these folks last night.

Mr. Hoover is the fellow in the tan suit and mustache. Federal Judge Mullins (my co-worker) is on the far right.

For those of you that have no idea who Mr. Bob Hoover is I suggest you Google him. It a nut shell he is a WWII fighter pilot who was shot down and spent 18 months in a POW camp. After multiple attempts to escape he was successful and stole a FW 190 and flew back to freedom. He was also back up pilot for Chuck Yeager when Chuck broke the sound barrier.



In addition, he was the test pilot for the F86, F100 and multiple other airplanes. Most remember him as the airshow pilot in his Shrike Commander and P51. Mr. Hoover is 86 years old now and is still married to his first wife. Among many of the early aviators that he has met, Orville Wright is one of them. I started years ago using my pilot logbook sorta like a diary of my aviation exploits.



To date I have autographs in it from Neil Armstrong (first man on the moon), Col Bud Anderson (famous WWII fighter pilot), Gene Krantz (Mission director for Apollo 13), Dick Rutan (First man along with Jeana Yeager to fly around the world without refueling. I might add that he did this in an experimental airplane), and now Bob Hoover. These folks have tremendous courage. I tend to think about them the night before I have to go in for a dentist appointment.

Turn up the sound and take the time to watch these two clips of the amazing Bob Hoover. He is a true American hero.

Corpus Christy, Texas

Erika spent the month of July down in Corpus Christy for one of her med school rotations. If you know Erika at all you understand that a hotel inland would not work. A condo on the beach was in order. Thursday July 17, I left work at 5 and flew the RV down for a long weekend. It is a 7 to 8 hour drive or a 2 hour flight. Hmmmmm let's see... I think I'll fly.
With my baggage loaded up the temperature inside the airplane was a hot 105 degrees. By the time I climbed to 5,700 feet it was down to a comfy 75 degrees
The flight down was uneventful with a few turns to avoid thunderstorms.

In case you didn't know, Corpus Christy is a port city.



Once on the ground my bride was there to pick me up.



We had an awesome weekend with walks on the beach, fine dinning, and a visit to the USS Lexington.

Sunday I lifted off at 5:31 and climbed to 10,000 feet where the temperature was a cool 64 degrees. I turned the autopilot on and sat back to enjoy a bottle of water and granola bar. At that altitude I was above the puffy white clouds and cooking right along. With a ground speed of up to 202 mph I was home before dark. Ahhhhhh maybe I should have drove the car : )

Summer Plans

August just can't get here fast enough. Life has been busy. Okay what's new it's always busy…maybe too busy. I have been away more then I've been home lately and there is no sign that it's going to let up. I've spent most of the last two weeks in Oklahoma and leave for Washington D.C. again on Monday. All this OT is good for the wallet but is bad for the mental health. Erika, who just finished her second year of med school, will be doing hospital rotaions for the next two years with little to no time off. This means I'm sorta on my own when it comes to vacation this year. So....with mental health in mind I've planned a couple little get-aways.

The first trip is around 10 days of riding dual purpose motorcycles over the jeep trails of Colorado. Colorado, one of my favorite places on earth, is full of roads and trails that are accesible by four wheel drive vehicles and ATV's only. They would ruin a normal street bike thus we are riding street legal dirtbikes. Here is mine.
The plan is to traler the motorcylcles to Pagosa Springs. From there take the trails through Creede, Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Gunnison etc.. We will be camping along the way with hotels every two or three nights. You can bet the flyrod will be strapped on my motorcycle somewhere.



I'll be back in the office for a couple of weeks before I head back to Colorado for my second vacation. This will be my third year meeting my good friend Phil Hollinger(PH) from Ohio, in Colorado to fly fish. The first year we went to Gunnison and last year we launched from Silverthorne. Here is PH with the BIG one. PH likes the nicer things in life and will be staying in a cabin this year. I plan on tent camping.

As they say, time spent fishing is not subtracted from one's life span. Now if I can just figure out something to do this summer to help my mental health.

Have you ever heard the joke about....

A few weeks ago Erika finished her second year of med school with a big Texas size party. It was called the "Boot Party” Why I'm not sure...maybe because the second year students are being booted out for rotations. Here is a picture from the boot party. Ever hear the joke about the Asian, Philippino, Mexican, and American?

Remembering those who have gone on before

LeBaron Family (Great Grandfather and mother back in center)
















William LeBaron (Great Great Grandfather)





















John Fox LeBaron (Great Grandfather)






















William B LeBaron (Grandfather)




















William B LeBaron (Grandfather)

















Mary R LeBaron / with John LeBaron (Grandmother holding my father)






















Dorsey and Esther Schenck (Grandfather and Grandmother, mothers side)























Dorsey Schenck (Grandfather)






















Amsey and Salome(Wise) Miller (Great Grandparents)

How I spent my birthday. (Yes I'm still in my 30's)

Flew to Lancaster for lunch. What a line up. If my airplane wasn't in the picture you would think this was the 1950 or 60's. The first two are Piper Tri Pacers, an Aeronca Chief, my RV, Piper J4, and Piper J3.



After lunch we flew to the Triple J Ski Ranch. WATCH OUT FOR THE HAY BALES WHILE LANDING!<


I guess he needed something more exciting to do.


This is why they call it the ski ranch. Why go to the lake when you can just dig your own.



Once back at Grand Prarie Airport I was treated to a "High-Speed" flyby of the MetLife blimp. Hang on Snoopy!!!!

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Ercoupe Warrior

This is worth watching!!! Turn up the sound.

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Weekend of Flying

Saturday morning I pulled the airplane out of the hangar at 6:50 AM with the weather man promising a beautiful day. After a call to Craig, and finding him still in bed, I figured I had the morning "magic hours" all to myself. "Five niner four tango lima you are cleared for takeoff." Easing in the throttle the Lycoming springs to life. Seconds later the tail lifts up and before I know it I'm climbing at 100 mph. Leveling off at 2,500 feet the ground speed quickly climbs to 203 MPH, hmmm must be a tailwind up here. I can see for miles. Ahhhh this is why I fly.

An hour later my phone vibrates with a text message. Craig is at the airport ready to fly. Back to the airport I go with a three point landing on runway 17. Craig spent seven years building his airplane and this is going to be his third flight. He has only flown above the airport and this morning I am going to escort him out south of the DFW area so he can "shake her down."

After an hour of flying we head back to the airport for Craig to pull the cowling and make sure everything is okay with his engine. Good news...no oil leaks!!! As the cowling goes on, the cell phone rings. "Tim...Clint here... I'm at Lancaster Airport....where are we flying for lunch?" I tell him that we have a flight of five airplanes going to Granbury, Texas and to hang tight; Craig and I will fly over to fly along with him to Granbury. Now we have six planes flying out for lunch.

At Granbury airport we take two courtesy cars in to town for lunch. Following lunch and a walk around the town square it was back to the airport.





A flight of four of us flew in loose trail up the Brazos River toward Bridgeport, Texas for gas. Nothing like a flight of follow the leader around the curves of a river while 100' feet off the water. What a blast!

Following a quick flight back to Grand Prairie I push the airplane back in the hangar and wipe off the bugs. The sun is setting as I roll the hangar door closed and head for home.

Sunday after church, Craig jumped into the back of my airplane and we headed down to Clint’s place which is called Coyote Field. Coyote Field is a short 2,500 grass runway.



Clint lives there with his two dogs and his three airplanes.


After the airplanes posed for a bunch of pictures we went airborne for several air to air shots

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What a weekend!!! Six hours of flying and for once the weather man was right.

What’s Your Best Caption?

After 40 Years

In the early 60's, before my father was married, he and his brother owned a 1946 Ercoupe. Several year later they sold it and my father used his half of the money to put down on his fist house. Over the years I had looked for this Ercoupe but never had any luck finding it. According to the FAA registry it still existed but I wasn't sure where it was.



In January of 2002 a friend of mine called and asked, "Hey Tim, did anyone in your family ever own an Ercoupe?" He had found my last name in an Ercoupe logbook and called to see if I knew who it had belong to. Well to make a long story short, it was the one my father had owned and now 40 years later its mine.



It now resides in the garage waiting its turn for restoration.

The Flying Evangelist / Great Uncle Curt

My dad's Uncle Curt was the first flyer in our family. He got the spark started for my dad and his older brother William. This past summer I was visiting my Uncle Bill at his home in Fruita, Colorado when I found this picture and article.



Click on the article to enlarge it so you can read it. It's pretty interesting. The year was 1953.

Secure in my manhood

With the cost of gas these days I got tired of filling up my Toyota Tundra and traded it in on a Toyota Matrix. As soon as I pulled in the drive, the neighbor girl told me it didn't look very manly. Erika said it was the first time since we met that I wasn't driving a Toyota truck.


Oh well, in the first six weeks I estimate I saved $430 plus on gas. Yep, I did a whole lot of driving.

Soon to be Dr. LeBaron

Erika is at the tail end of her second year of med school. In July she will be going to Corpus Christi for her third year. That is about 7 hours south of where we live now. However, less then two in the airplane.

My Co-Pilot

Erika had been patiently waiting for her first ride. I wanted to get 10 hours in the airplane before I took her up. A few weeks ago we flew to Lancaster, Texas for breakfast and she had a blast. The visibility in this airplane is awesome!

My Ride

My airplane is a homebuilt RV-4. (http://vansaircraft.com/public/rv-4int.htm)It was completed in 2000 by Jeff Agin of Zainsville, Ohio. Several years ago it was involved in an accident and was heading to the scrap heap. I bought it and pulled a Benny Hinn.



My first flight in a RV-4 and the first flight since the rebuild was January 12, 2008. (See the clip of this first flight in the blog below this one)

I was glad the weather cooperated for the first flight on the 12th. On January 12, 1988 I left for Army basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Cruise is 180 mph at 75%power and it flys like a dream.

1st flight of my RV-4, January 12, 2008