May 3, 2014 Rocket Launch

Now we know how NASA feels sometimes.  Today's long-anticipated rocket launch was rife with problems.  Still, it was a glorious day, weather wise, and everyone had a good time.

Things started off less than optimally when we arrived at the field we like to use in Denton. Because our previous launch was in the fall, we didn't realize the field would be used to actually grow crops in the spring.  The nerve!  As we trudged from the street to the middle of the field, I happened to look down and noticed tractor tire tracks, tidy furrows, and baby plants peeking up through the soil.  We quickly reversed our steps, reloaded the car, and headed back to Lewisville where we know a tried-and-true, albeit smaller, field that is often used by remote control aircraft aficionados.  

Before we view the few photos and videos that were almost decent enough to publish, let me offer my......ahem, disclaimers (aka, excuses).  I am not now nor ever will be a photographer/videographer.  I love taking pictures and videos but I'm terrible at it.  Also, our ancient (more than 5 years old) Canon Powershot point-and-shoot camera is not the most dependable vehicle for quality media, particularly in the hands of a total technological dodo.  I should have used my phone.

That being said, here are some samples of our aeronautical adventures this morning.

The first rocket went up at an angle and we lost the nosecone section.  Permanently.  Bummer.

Zoey and Leo were poised to race to the point where the rocket came down because Papa always loads the payload sections with coins and candy.

I totally missed the launch of the second rocket, the one with the glider that detaches and sails to earth on air currents.  I simply wasn't ready when Tony sent it skyward.  It's just as well because the glider never disengaged from the rocket tube, so #2 was kind of a bust.

I did an absolutely horrible job on the third rocket because I totally lost it once it got off the ground.  This particular rocket has strap-on boosters and normally launches beautifully.  Sorry you don't get to see it.  After it reached maximum altitude, though, the two sections plummeted to earth because both parachute attachments burned from the firing engines.  Apparently my Rocket Man failed to secure them in enough protective packing material to prevent fire damage.

Dave helped little Maggie find one of the parachutes in the tall grass.

The last launch video is probably the best of the three even though there were, again, difficulties with the rocket.  It's apparently too long to upload to the blog because I keep getting error messages, so I uploaded it to YouTube instead.  I'm sorry about the extra step of having to open another screen to view it.  I'm what the French call "les incompetents" (first of two Home Alone references in one blog post).

              

                       http://youtu.be/JQ4bo28Ia28

What appeared at first to be a successful launch of Leo 5, the big rocket powered by 5 large engines, was actually a bust because two of the five engines failed to ignite, including the center core engine which ignites the second stage of the rocket.  It did go straight up, but instead of second stage separation, at this point the whole thing fell to the ground like so much lead.  Needless to say, Tony was pretty disappointed, but the kids still loved every minute.  Don't miss Leo's Kevin McAllister imitation as the kids run to find their coins and candy in the payload section!

One of the highlights of the morning was the unexpected arrival of two ultralight paragliders which landed during our time in the field.  We enjoyed visiting with the men, who had built their crafts by hand and piloted them from Rockwall, which is a hefty distance away on the far eastern side of Dallas.  They landed in the field because it was near a gas station, and they needed to refuel before their return trip.  Probably the best video of the day is the one where one of the guys took off after we finished launching.  Again, it has to be a YouTube video because it's too long to upload directly to the blog.

                      http://youtu.be/B46PFeupjXY
         
So, Tony has all summer to work out the kinks before we try again in the fall when our Denton field will be available after harvest and the Cribbies will be back from their summer at Kanakuk.  Today was pretty frustrating, but we have to remember that we are, at best, amateurs.  I love that Tony has a fun hobby that provides a learning experience for all of us.  One of these days the kids will appreciate more than the treats he packs for them.  Who knows?  Maybe they'll even take an interest in aeronautical engineering!

The launch of LEO 5

Since Monday was a day off from school and work, and since the weather promised to cooperate, we decided to attempt the maiden voyage of the Leo 5 rocket.  A few months ago Tony (aka, Papa) asked Leo how he should design and build his next rocket, and Leo told Tony to make it really big with 5 engines because Leo had just turned 5.  Tony's built many rockets in the past, and the most recent ones have been of his own design and construction entirely. But this next one was a tall order and a bit ambitious, even for an experienced "aerospace engineer" like Papa!  A 1-engine rocket is pretty powerful and will shoot pretty high, but 5 engines would deliver an almost nuclear explosion--and the rocket had to be large enough to accommodate them.

So Tony worked on the design for several weeks then ordered the parts and components he'd need for construction.  This is one of the joys of his retirement--being able to enjoy his hobbies at leisure while doing fun things with the grandkids.  When the rocket was completed, Tony handed it off to graphic designer son-in-law Josh for a custom paint job.  Josh chose shiny gold paint with block lettering for the name.  Upon return to Tony's "rocket room", the payload section was packed with 12 shiny half dollars (2 per grandchild), a bunch of M&M packets to enjoy afterward, and 7 bright orange whiffle golf balls.  The kids enjoy retrieving their treasures even more than watching the rocket blast off!

We found a large field in Denton far from any major streets or highways.  There were some homes nearby so wind direction and the angle of the rocket had to be factored into where the rocket was set up for launch.

Here is Tony clipping the igniters onto the engines.

Do you think this field is big enough?

A good spot was found and the rocket was set at an angle to launch into the wind.

The construction and excellent paint job up close.

And even closer!

The Cribbies and Wieses arrived for the big event.  It was quite a trek across the big field, especially for the little ones.

Zoey, Leo, and Ruby caught up on the latest cousin news while final preparations were made.

And then we all backed up a good bit to stay out of the danger zone.

A perfect lift-off!  Tony was so happy it actually got off the ground!!  :-)

The G-forces (or something--I'm beyond of my sphere of knowledge here) caused the M&Ms to pulverize inside their packets, so the kids noshed on little crumbs of chocolate and candy shell!

Then they waited expectantly for their shares of the half dollars and golf balls to take home.

Sam was fairly oblivious to the excitement, 'though not as oblivious as he was at last year's launch.  We all had a great time and are looking forward to the next rocket adventure.  Leo 5 will have to be rebuilt because it was pretty beat up when it hit the ground, and Tony wants to tweak a few things to make it go higher and further.  Stay tuned for future developments in the wonderful world of Leo aerospace projects!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2013

Joyous Christmas greetings!                   December 2013

I don’t know about you, but the short span of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year is making me a little crazy.  I’m normally terrible at time management anyway, so this year is even more challenging than usual, especially with the activity-halting ice storm we had earlier this month.  Still, it’s important to take a moment to enjoy the delights of the season and to reflect on this past year’s happenings.

Let’s start with the most important: THE KIDS!!  Everybody’s great—healthy, busy, and happy.  The Cribbies sold their home in Krum and recently moved into a larger home closer to Dave’s job.  Bonus: they’re a mile from Erika and her family, which equates to both daughters now living 15 minutes from us! Zoey is thriving in first grade while Ruby, Maggie, and Sam keep Jenni hopping at home.  All 4 kids enjoy Sunday School, and Zoey and Ruby are active in AWANA and gymnastics.  The Wiese 4 are also terrific.  Leo goes to preschool 2 days a week, and he and Etta are in Sunday School.  Both families take regular advantage of fun projects at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Calloway Nursery, and elsewhere.  The kids all enjoy helping in the kitchen, and they adore each other....which makes their new proximity to each other a special treat!

We took a couple of trips this year, one planned and one unexpected.  In March Tony and I joined our Endicott family in the celebration of the well-lived life of my uncle and godfather, 91-year-old John Warski.  Uncle John was very special in that he stepped in as father figure to my family after my own father left when I was 16.  Although a funeral would not be the preferred reason for a trip home, it was a wonderful time of fellowship with family members and church friends from my youth.  My sister Lisa and her husband Bob also came up from Florida, and we spent some lovely time with Aunt Olga Warski and our cousins Cathy and Pat and their families.

In September Tony, Lisa, Bob, and I took an 18-day trip to Europe in celebration of their 35^th anniversary in July and our upcoming 40^th next April. We spent 2 days in Venice before boarding the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam for a 12-day Mediterranean cruise.  The cruise ended in Barcelona, where we spent an additional 2 days sightseeing.  It was an amazing trip and we had a wonderful time.  Eventually I’ll get around to posting pictures and travel highlights on my blog (the operative word being eventually).

The coming year will bring us to the Destin, FL area for a week with Erika and family in mid-May.  If anyone is in the area and wants to try to connect, let me know and I’ll provide details.  Then in mid November we’ll head to Jacksonville for our niece Erin’s wedding to Greg Taylor.  We’re very excited to meet Greg, visit with family, and participate in what promises to be a gorgeous, fun wedding at the Jacksonville Zoo!

We always look forward to hearing from you about your year, so please stay in touch.  May the significance of Christmas be meaningful to you, and may its joys bless you abundantly this season and throughout the coming year.  We send big hugs to one and all from Texas! 

Family photo, left to right: Dave Cribbs with Maggie Cribbs (almost 3) and Ruby Cribbs (4½), Jenni Leo Cribbs with Zoey Cribbs (7 on 12/28) and Sam Cribbs (14 months), Papa and Bammy (aka Tony & Mona), Erika Leo Wiese with Etta Wiese (almost 3) and Leo Wiese (5), Josh Wiese.  Contrary to speculation, we are not Duck Dynasty wannabees. The guys decided to do something different for this year’s picture.  The beards won’t be permanent (I think). 

Die, Gordo, Die!!!

On May 8, 1993 we took delivery of our new fridge, which Tony promptly named "Gordo" due to its gigantor dimensions -- much larger than any other refrigerator we'd ever owned.  It is now more than 20 years later and Gordo shows no signs of slowing down, much to my annoyance.  A few years ago we replaced our cooktop, double ovens, microwave, and dishwasher with new stainless steel appliances.  I would love to have a new, smaller stainless steel fridge to match the rest of the kitchen, but I am married to a wonderful, thrifty, practical man who for some reason thought it would be fine to replace our other still-living-and-working appliances, but not Gordo.  I'm having trouble convincing him it's time for Gordo to go.

The rest of the kitchen appliances--sleek, modern stainless.

See?  Gordo just doesn't fit in!

To be fair, Gordo does have many fine qualities.  He provides a large gallery for grandkids' art work, special souvenir magnets from our travels, family photos in magnetic frames, and assorted notes, lists, and business cards.  His refrigerator and freezer sides offer lots of space for produce, deli items, condiments, leftovers, treats, ice, and beverages.  Gordo has been a faithful servant, requiring only 2 brief, inexpensive service calls in his long life.  I'm sure he still has many years left in him.

But I really think it's time for him to retire.  His dingy white pebbled surface shows indelible grime (What IS that sticky stuff trickling down the side that no cleanser ever created can remove?), scratches, and rust streaks from his long-disconnected freezer door ice-and-water dispenser.  His icemaker has been AWOL for years, removed by Tony because we couldn't find a way to prevent distasteful black flecks from embedding themselves in the cubes (service call #1; service call #2 a few years ago replaced the refrigerator-side gasket).  We don't use a lot of ice, so it's not the end of the world to have to fill our two Rubbermaid ice trays occasionally.  It would just be nicer to have ice on demand again.  (fleck-free, of course)  The produce drawer has been hanging on by sheer will power for years.  One of the support pegs gave way almost as soon as Gordo came to live with us, but it's managed to hold on no matter how ambitiously we fill the drawer.  And dang it!  I just want a fridge that matches my kitchen!  Is that really too much to ask?

In truth, we do tend to keep things a long time if they're still operational.  Here are a few of our "antique" appliances we use all the time which show no sign of giving up the ghost:

 Hamilton Beach hand mixer.  My mother bought this for me (for $10) when I got my very first apartment in Cortland, NY at the beginning of my sophomore year in college--Fall 1969!!  Yes, we still use it, and it works perfectly.  We have a KitchenAid Professional stand mixer that we use for big batches, but this little hand mixer comes in very handy for small jobs --  44 years later.

General Electric electric knife. This was a bridal shower gift from one of my teacher friends at Mary McLeod Bethune Sixth Grade Center, Jacksonville, FL in the spring of 1974 (Thank you, Barbara Stubbs!!).  Note the tastefully dated avocado two-tone finish on this 39-year-old beauty!

 Betty Crocker immersion blender.  During my 5 stellar years as an elementary school teacher before I retired permanently to raise our daughters and later explore other career choices, Scholastic Books offered teachers free stuff to encourage book sales.  Very few of my students at Bethune could afford to buy books, so I'd buy bunches for use in my classroom.  These purchases entitled me to several reward items, one of which was this hand blender.  This item came into my kitchen some time between 1974 and 1976, and at age 37-39 it still gets used for soups, salad dressings, and sauces on a regular basis.

Oster Pot-Pourri electric chafing dish/fondue pot.  Another bridal shower gift (Thank you, Lynne and Ed Moroney!!), this 39-year-old gem has been used frequently and continues to be used regularly.  It's the perfect size for cooking all varieties of fondue, cocktail meatballs, marinara, and queso--and for keeping warm foods warm in a buffet setting.  Dig that burnt orange finish!

It seems I've unwittingly made my case for keeping Gordo around until he dies of natural causes, haven't I?  It does seem wasteful to retire such a dependable, steadfast, durable member of the household.  Am I frivolous for wanting all my major kitchen appliances to match?  HECK, NO!!!

Your days are numbered, Gordo.  Now, where's my gun......? 

Goodbye Grammy, Hello Bammy!

Ever since we first found out Jenni was pregnant with Zoey, I considered the special name possibilities my grandchildren would call me.  The best case scenario, in my opinion, is when the children choose their own names for special people in their lives.  But we had to have a starting point, so I selected "Grammy" as my grandmother name--the name I had always called my beloved Grandmother Nehlad.  As each grandchild came along, he or she would go through metamorphoses of Grammy: Dimi, Mimi, Dammy, Gammy, and--most recently--Bammy.  It was little Maggie who coined the name "Bammy", and it seems to have stuck.  Pretty much everyone calls me Bammy now, so I'm announcing to the world that it's Bammy from this point forward.

Unless one of the kids decides differently.

Bammy's treasures

 Etta, almost 2 1/2

 Zoey, 6 1/2

 Maggie, almost 2 1/2

Sam, 8 1/2 months

 Leo, almost 5

Ruby, 4 1/4

My Rocket Man!

Tony has always enjoyed building model rockets.  Years ago he started with kits, then began designing his own rockets.  He gave up the hobby for a while when our daughters grew older and started to lose interest.  But now that he's retired he has the time and patience to work on the models again, and with 6 young grandkids, he has an instant  captive, interested audience of potential future rocket scientists.

At home Tony has his own rocket/hobby room, sort of a man cave.

When he builds a new rocket, he fills the payload section with candy for the kids.  As the section parachutes back to earth after the launch, the kids go running through the field looking for their candy.

I suppose this stuff makes sense to rocket aficionados.

The design table, where the magic happens.

He likes to paint the rockets bright colors to appeal to the kids.

Some recent models under construction.

Um, remember a few pictures back when I said Tony had a man cave?  I neglected to mention he generously shares his cave with our baby paraphernalia.

Only a real man would allow a crib in his man cave.

Yeah, the room literally screams pure masculinity, alright!

Finally, launch day arrives. Maggie and Etta are ready to tromp through the fields in their protective boots.

Leo, Zoey, and Ruby love to explore together.

Sam obviously can't contain his enthusiasm.

The first rocket goes up flawlessly.

What goes up must come down, candy and all!

Setting up for the next launch.

Everything must be perfect so the rocket will go straight up.

Another successful launch makes it into the record books.  After cleaning up our equipment, it's off to McDonald's for ice cream cones.  Memories made!!