Ernie Haase Concert

Today some of the family (Anne and Joseph)and quite a few friends went to an Ernie Haase/Signature Sound concert in Middleburg. The concert was two hours long, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Ernie Haase and Signature Sound sing Southern Gospel songs. They featured some songs from their latest project in production, which is made in honor of the Cathedrals. Joseph was able to buy a CD and have it signed by the members of the quartet, and the musicians. Anne and Joseph were also able to have their pictures taken with Ernie Haase. We highly recommend that everyone find the time to see this wonderful singing group! The Tour Schedule can be found here.

Fire Weather

Today there was a Fire Weather Warning/Watch due to how dry and cold it is. Daniel, Papa, and I were in the house when we heard the page for a woods fire. We got to the station as quick as possible! The fire was on Silver Springs road off of 214. Someone's backyard fire had apparently gotten out of control and begun to spread into the surrounding woods. Papa, I, and some others came arrived on scene in Attack 10, and Daniel rode with a volunteer on Tender 109. I stood by the truck watching the firefighters battle the flames. The fire was constantly shifting due to the mild winds in the area, so it took a while to settle it down. Once it was "out" I got to help with mop-up. Mop-up is the stage where everything is smoking, but there's little to no flames. I was able to ride on the walkway of one of the Brush Trucks, and "mop-up" the hot-spots with my hose. I also shoveled sand onto some of the smaller hot spots that couldn't be reached by the Brush Trucks. By the time we were finished and had got back to the Station, 3 hours had elapsed! I was surprised that it took so long--time had flown by quickly!
Being a Fire-Explorer is a lot of fun, especially when you get to participate in Fire Calls. And everyone knows that right after a call, a firefighter is hungry... so Daniel, Papa, and I headed home to help finish making homemade burgers!

Wings of Dreams Airshow

Daniel, Joseph, and Nehemiah were able to go to the Wings of Dreams Airshow in Keystone, with the Civil Air Patrol. Joseph took quite a few pictures, and he also wrote this article about the airshow:

As the sun peeked over the top of the Florida pines, it shone down upon Cadets and Senior Members of the Gainesville Composite Squadron who were grouping together at the Keystone Heights Airport. As if a glimpse into the distant past, a B-17 and a B-24 sat idly on the tarmac as the sunshine glinted off their windows. As the sun rose higher into the clear winter sky, people began streaming through the gates to attend the 2010 Wings of Dreams Airshow.
Gainesville Composite Squadron was present on both days of the Airshow. They were able to successfully create perimeters around moving aircraft such as WWII Aircraft, and even an A-10 Warthog! Cadets also kept a vigil for any FOD on the tarmac, and were instructed to make sure no-one was smoking within the airport. When they weren’t patrolling, Cadets were able to climb through the B-24 and B-17, and visit with WWII Veterans, including Women Air Service Pilots. Other exhibits included live-firing (with blanks) of WWII vintage weapons, and a large collection of WWII vehicles such as Jeeps, Motorcycles, and a small Nazi tank. Cadets specifically listed the Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon static display, and the A-10 Live Demonstration as their favorite events of the weekend.
The Squadron had a large tent directly next to the entrance, where they conducted a bake-sale/popcorn fundraiser, and recruited potential Cadets. Both Saturday and Sunday were filled to with things to do, as the Cadets stayed at the airport from 800 to 1730.
The Airshow was a large success not only in the sense that it raised money for the Wings of Dreams Museum, but because it brought history to life for hundreds of people.

Here are some pictures from the airshow:
Nehemiah was allowed to climb up through the cockpit, and look out of the hatch on top!
Both Nehemiah and Joseph were able to climb into the B-24's cockpit, and sit in the pilots seat.
One of the most popular planes at the airshow was the A-10 Warthog!
Most of the family made it out to see the airshow.

Wet Weather

Yesterday, we received over an 1.5 inches of rain. (most likely over 2 inches) The weather was a welcome change from the freezing temperatures we've had recently. Here are a few pictures from after the storm:


About an inch of water covered most of the front yard!

The walk next to the water garden was flooded also.

My Lego diver was equally amazed with the amount of water covering the yard!

A Recipe from Elijah!
Our family has enjoyed an abundance of fruit from friends and neighbors. We have been given several bags--enough to make several pitchers of juice. Elijah recently made "Fruit Soda" from a recipe he found:

Fruit Soda (a.k.a Citrus Punch)

Ingredients:
1/3 Gallon pitcher
1 and 1/2 c. sugar
1 pouch lemon-lime flavored unsweetened soft-drink powder. (Unsweetened Kool-aid)
23 and 1/3 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 Liter ginger-ale

Instructions:

In a gallon sized (or larger) pitcher, stir together sugar and water until dissolved. Mix in drink powder and pineapple juice. Store in freezer until it becomes partially frozen. (Like a slushy) Enjoy!

Quite Cold in Keystone

Keystone Has gotten quite cold recently!

A few days ago, the temperature dropped below 20 degrees for a short while (at night) It was ideal weather for creating more icicles! I set out the sprinkler in the water garden at 9:00 and it ran all night. The next morning, the amount of ice/icicles was amazing! My personal favorite "ice-sculpture" was the pine needle that happened to be standing up, and got encased in ice!

The large bush near the front walk was filled to the core with large icicles, some of which were over 5 inches long. The amazing thing about them, is that it took two days before all of them melted off!

The basins in the water garden glazed over, but the water continued to run over the top of the ice. It was wonderful to be able to enjoy the cold weather, especially with ice!
Some friends of ours gave us stone to put around the water garden, and ice glazed all over that as well--some areas up to an inch thick.

May you have a blessed winter season this year!

-Written By Joseph [for the Cook Family] Jan 13, 2010.