Week with visiting family

This past week Dwight's parents came from KY for a visit along with Dwight's older brother, Marvin, and his wife, Paula. Us ladies and Javin spent a day the the nearby Amish Community. (the Ohio community is the largest in the the country, spreading over three counties)

Kay, Jen, Javin, Rena

Marvin and Paul returned home the next day and Scott and Stephanie joined us on Sunday for the day. We had lunch at the local airport's weekend patio grill and watched the airplanes fly in and out.

Two New Aircraft Mechanics

If you've read our previous posts you are aware I'm an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (in the economy of acronyms, a DME). Normally I administer eight to twelve mechanic oral and practical exams a year to applicants who qualify for mechanic testing through civil or military aircraft maintenance experience. Because of my normal duties at MMS, I try to not schedule more than a couple mechanic exams in a month.

Last week I tested two of our MMS fellows who recently met the experience requirement. They first had to apply at the FAA office in Columbus, Ohio and then pass the general, airframe and powerplant "written" tests. (Written tests are taken at a computer equipped testing center.) Then they came for the oral and practical exams that take about eleven hours to complete.

The goal is achieved! I hand David his temporary A&P mechanic certificate.

I tested David Mozombite on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I played "catch-up" at my office desk and spent some time in the afternoon with Dad and older brother who were visiting from Kentucky. Thursday was spent at MMS in a group meeting, answering e-mails and preparing for another Mechanic exam.

Friday morning I began Gertjan Kamphorst's oral and practical. This test was observed by my Principal Inspector from the FAA, which seems a bit unfair to the one taking the test, but regulations require an FAA Inspector to observe a DME administering an exam twice each year. In spite of that, Gertjan did very well under the added pressure. We finished his exam at noon on Saturday.

Gertjan checks the internal timing of an aircraft engine magneto, one of many practical projects he completed during the test.

It was a full week, and a good one.

Busy weekend

We started at the annual hot air balloon festival at the Coshocton Fairgrounds, Friday evening

Saturday included a visiting group who took a tour of the MMS facilities, followed by a graduation open house for two of our MMS MKs.

Sunday afternoon we attended Chanelle's dance recital

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Chanelle, front row right

Jen, Jason, Chanelle and Javin

The Moo Chorus

I (Rena) would like to consider that I have become quite accustomed to living in the country. The farmland around us (now only across the road since houses have popped up around us), the quietness except for the occasional passing of cars, and the chirping of the birds and the chorus of frogs on a spring night. However, last weekend it was a little more than I could take!! The cows across the road had been separated from their calves and they mooed day and night. Now Dwight, having grown up on a farm, enjoys the mooing of cows and slept quite soundly. I on the other hand, made several attempts to shut the noise out. Our neighbor's granddaughters were spending the night with them, and not being used to the noise - especially in the night were quite alarmed not knowing what the noise was, until they were assured it was only cows. Moooo!

Birthday Party in Pennsylvania

Rena's parents, Bill and Mae Tarter

May 28th found us on our way to Wyomissing, PA to visit Rena's folks. My mother-in-law, Mae, turned 80 on that day. Rena's brother, Bill and sister-in-law, Deborah arrived earlier from Vancouver, BC and were there to help celebrate the milestone birthday. Some weeks earlier e-mails had gone out to family and friends requesting a card shower for Mae (hoping she would recieve at least 80 cards) There were many enthusiastic participants and as of Saturday 110 cards had arrived!!

Dwight, Deborah and Bill Tarter (Jr.) As her gift to Mae, Deborah single-handedly prepared a delicious evening meal. Actually, we all enjoyed the gift.

Happy Birthday to you.....

Lots of cards to open

Memorial Day Weekend

Last week was quite busy for Dwight. After an FAA renewal seminar for Designated Mechanic Examiners in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Dwight drove on to Reading (PA) to spend a couple days with Rena's parents. He was able to lend moral support following Dad's recent hospitalization and do some minor maintenance projects around their house. Dwight returned late Friday, just in time to start the Memorial Day Weekend.

Rather than relying on word pictures, here's some picture pictures.

Scott and Stephanie came and decided Saturday was a good day for a haircut. (The result is upper right.)

While Stephanie cut Scott's hair, Dwight gave his granddog some attention.

After church on Sunday, it was grilling time.

Something to do while Grandpa grills the meat.

Monday evening everyone's gone home and we go for a walk at a local park.

We met some really nice people at the park--our pastor and his family.