Saturday, January 30, 2016

2015


2015

What an intensely wonderful year!

My daughter was married and my first grandchild was born!

It began with a trip to Boyceville, WI to purchase an airplane.  My good friends, Len Felton and Grover McNair, and I acquired a Super Decathlon.  It was a tube and fabric aerobatic tailwheel airplane.  We flew out in Len’s Diamond and flew back in loose formation.  What a blast.  Over the next six months I was able to fulfill my dream of competing and teaching acro.  Aircraft ownership is an expensive proposition.  After operational costs became excessive my partners released me. 

In the spring Bernardita returned to the Philippines.  We were able to share some of our blessings as she managed the remodeling of the family home.  The family now has a more comfortable, secure dwelling.

I was able to requalify as a motorcycle safety rider coach and teach a few courses.  We determined the physical demands outweigh the benefits.  It was a wonderful experience.  I took several motorcycle trips during the year.  I rode to Offutt AFB, NE and visited friends on the way.  I slept in General Gage’s bed, a hanger, billeting and low-rent motels as I completed my Airline Transport Pilot certificate.  Next I rode to Arlington, VA with my Air Force brothers and laid to rest the father of CCT.  I was finally able to visit with my cousin Alex Banks and we rode over a thousand miles of Oregon.  The incredible ride culminated in a ride to crater lake.  It was wonderful to reconnect and marvel at the magnificent man he has become.

The rest of the west coast family showered me with unconditional love.   After four decades we picked up right where we left off.  The year ended with a whirlwind trip to visit my mom and the Louisiana connection.  We drove over 3500 miles in a Suburban with six people and two dogs.  We watched Star Wars, ate too much, drank too much and danced the nights away.  It was the best Christmas ever!  Which is saying a lot.  The previous year Bernardita, Mom, Erwin and I went to Mexico, which is another incredible story.

Alexander has grown into an amazing young man.  He recently re-enlisted in the NC National Guard.  This fills in the tradition of Colonel Moss, Airman Moss, Master Sergeant Moss and soon Sergeant Moss. 

God continues to shower us with blessings.  We look forward to the cards and letters every year but since I suck at actually sitting down in front of a computer we fall short at responding in a timely manner.  So, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Thanksgiving, Easter, Hanukah, Independence day and birthday!  Please feel free to contact us if and when you wish.

Love,

The Moss family