One of the things I've learned in 40 years as an aircraft mechanic is the value of preventive maintenance. Before I go to all the effort of putting a string of lights on the Christmas tree, I do an operational check. Maybe this is a full-blown annual inspection.*

We didn't set a record for being early in getting the tree up and decorated this year, but it's done.

*Private aircraft are required by the FAA to have an inspection each 12 calendar months, so Annual Inspection is a pretty familiar term in my world.

Meet CHRISTIE

Just having some fun. Tim, our MMS Aviation Production Manager introduces "Christie" our newly purchased Ground Power Unit to our guys in the hangar.

A generous donation allowed MMS to purchase this used one for about half the price a new one would have cost.

Thanksgiving Holiday

Thanksgiving is the time our part of the Jarboe family gets together. Earlier this year, Mom said, "We'll do Thanksgiving here one more year, but someone else has to cook the turkey." So we gathered again at Mom and Dad's in Bowling Green, Kentucky. All of our generation were there and most of my parents grandchildren were able to attend at least part of the weekend. Two of three great-grandchildren were present.

This is the family in which I grew up.

My sister-in-law, Sue, provided encouragement as I carved the turkey.

After dinner music is a normal thing at our gatherings. This year it was a recorder quartet.