CAIRO - August 31, 1943.
I got up early this morning and had breakfast in bed! Had a fresh egg omelet, coffee, toast - butter and marmalade - rolls and cantaloupe. After breakfast, we headed to town.
We picked up a Guide, and took a taxi to the Bazaar and Mosque. The blue mosque is inside a British fortress overlooking the city of Cairo. I can see the native quarters; the new part of the city; the winding Nile river; the Pyramids; and the quarry from where the stone for the Pyramids and Sphinx were quarried. The internal structure of the Mosque is of alabaster taken from the outer covering of the large pyramid. It is a beautiful tan and white marble, coming originally from quarries which are 500 miles away! The ceiling in the mosque is all hand-painted in blues, gold and red. The names of the four Moslem prophets are inscribed on the ceiling many hundreds of feet high! There are beautiful stained-cut glass-windows, coming from Italy, in the domes! There are over a thousand fine glass chandeliers, and beautiful carpets.
The building is 500 years old! A semi-circular cut in the wall, constitutes the altar, and faces due East towards Mecca. The prophet prays there, while the congregation sits out front on the carpet. They have a pillar that can be rotated towards Mecca. The person ,“wishing” for something, grabs iron rings that are fastened to the wall, and makes his petition - believing that whatever he asks for, he will receive. They then go out the door to the right called the “Good Luck Door”.
(to be continued)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Heliopolis
Monday, August 30, 1943.
We finally took off for Cairo at 0630 in #146 - minus turrets and guns. Aboard was Skipper (pilot), and his crew - except for Redbird - Bud Lyon, Doc Hall and myself.
We flew in cloudy weather en route. We followed the coast of the Mediterranean - past Sousse, Sfax, and Kairroun, Tunisia; Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruq, Libya. We crossed into Egypt at Alexandria. I spotted the beautiful Nile Valley at 2pm., after crossing over more desert than I ever dreamed existed!
It wasn’t long before I could see the Great Pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo. This is both an ancient and modern metropolis of a million and a quarter people! The Skipper circled the city so I got a good bird’s eye view as well as some good pictures (I hope!), from the nose of the plane. After a dry run over one field, we landed at about 0230.
We took a bus from the field to suburban Heliopolis - where we were to stay - at the Heliopolis Hotel. There were three of us to a room. High-posted-metal beds, but very soft clean sheets, and soft clean pillows. There was a table and chairs; and many cabinets and dressers in the room. There was also a large 8 foot mirror, a fire place and hot and cold running water.
(to be continued.)
We finally took off for Cairo at 0630 in #146 - minus turrets and guns. Aboard was Skipper (pilot), and his crew - except for Redbird - Bud Lyon, Doc Hall and myself.
We flew in cloudy weather en route. We followed the coast of the Mediterranean - past Sousse, Sfax, and Kairroun, Tunisia; Tripoli, Benghazi and Tobruq, Libya. We crossed into Egypt at Alexandria. I spotted the beautiful Nile Valley at 2pm., after crossing over more desert than I ever dreamed existed!
It wasn’t long before I could see the Great Pyramids on the outskirts of Cairo. This is both an ancient and modern metropolis of a million and a quarter people! The Skipper circled the city so I got a good bird’s eye view as well as some good pictures (I hope!), from the nose of the plane. After a dry run over one field, we landed at about 0230.
We took a bus from the field to suburban Heliopolis - where we were to stay - at the Heliopolis Hotel. There were three of us to a room. High-posted-metal beds, but very soft clean sheets, and soft clean pillows. There was a table and chairs; and many cabinets and dressers in the room. There was also a large 8 foot mirror, a fire place and hot and cold running water.
(to be continued.)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
August 29, 1943
Sunday, August 29, 1943.
I got up at 0530, but the plane we were assigned, to go to Cairo, is not ready, even after working on it all night. So, we postponed our departure until tomorrow.
So, Redbird, Don, The Skipper (Arval), Doc (our Flight Surgeon) and I, went in to Carthage, and went to Mass at the Cathedral. We ate lunch at the Red Cross, and then saw the movie, “Arise My Love”. We were back on the base for supper.
The plane, that we are using, is a stripped down B-17. The guns, two turrets (ball and upper),armor plating and life rafts, have all been removed. The de-icing boot, on the leading edge of the wing, has also been removed - as they have for all of our combat aircraft. (In this summer climate, there is no chance of icing.) Besides reducing the weight of the plane, the boot removal reduces the drag, which increases the potential speed and fuel efficiency.
.
I got up at 0530, but the plane we were assigned, to go to Cairo, is not ready, even after working on it all night. So, we postponed our departure until tomorrow.
So, Redbird, Don, The Skipper (Arval), Doc (our Flight Surgeon) and I, went in to Carthage, and went to Mass at the Cathedral. We ate lunch at the Red Cross, and then saw the movie, “Arise My Love”. We were back on the base for supper.
The plane, that we are using, is a stripped down B-17. The guns, two turrets (ball and upper),armor plating and life rafts, have all been removed. The de-icing boot, on the leading edge of the wing, has also been removed - as they have for all of our combat aircraft. (In this summer climate, there is no chance of icing.) Besides reducing the weight of the plane, the boot removal reduces the drag, which increases the potential speed and fuel efficiency.
.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
MISSION #46 - Terni, Italy. Sat. Aug. 28,1943.
Mission #46. -- Terni, Italy - Saturday, August 28, 1943
Briefing at 0745, and then off on the “Italian express” to Terni, north of Rome. The weather was very poor over Italy, with a cold front lying in with high-cumulus clouds. We had our “Guardian Angels” (P-38’s) along as a fighter escort.
I flew with Major O’Connor and led the Squadron. We bombed a rail-marshalling yard in this important industrial city. I didn’t see any enemy fighters, and the flak was light and inaccurate. We had a three -Squadron Group formation, along with the 301st Group.
We had a major Garcia riding with us, as an Observer. He was a classmate of the Major at West Point. He had been in England, and is leaving for the Middle, and Far East soon.
Tonight, I packed. Supposed to go to Cairo tomorrow for some R&R (Rest and Recuperation). Apparently, our Flight Surgeon thinks that I am getting a little “Flak-Happy”.
MEMO:
We were briefed at 0700 yesterday morning. we started on a mission to bomb the rail yard at Sulmona, Italy. We had engine trouble and never got off the ground.
Note: I copied the following from the “Defenders of Liberty” - a great historical book on the 2nd Bomb Group.:
Generals Spaatz, Doolittle and Atkinson made a short inspection trip to the Group on August 27th. The Generals were particularly impressed by the war room, in the former cow barn, and with the various officers’ and enlisted mens’ clubs. So much so, that Gen. Spaatz ordered pictures taken, that he could send to Gen. Arnold. The favorable impression of the facilities, was as much a tribute to the ingenuity they represented, as to the function they served.
.
Briefing at 0745, and then off on the “Italian express” to Terni, north of Rome. The weather was very poor over Italy, with a cold front lying in with high-cumulus clouds. We had our “Guardian Angels” (P-38’s) along as a fighter escort.
I flew with Major O’Connor and led the Squadron. We bombed a rail-marshalling yard in this important industrial city. I didn’t see any enemy fighters, and the flak was light and inaccurate. We had a three -Squadron Group formation, along with the 301st Group.
We had a major Garcia riding with us, as an Observer. He was a classmate of the Major at West Point. He had been in England, and is leaving for the Middle, and Far East soon.
Tonight, I packed. Supposed to go to Cairo tomorrow for some R&R (Rest and Recuperation). Apparently, our Flight Surgeon thinks that I am getting a little “Flak-Happy”.
MEMO:
We were briefed at 0700 yesterday morning. we started on a mission to bomb the rail yard at Sulmona, Italy. We had engine trouble and never got off the ground.
Note: I copied the following from the “Defenders of Liberty” - a great historical book on the 2nd Bomb Group.:
Generals Spaatz, Doolittle and Atkinson made a short inspection trip to the Group on August 27th. The Generals were particularly impressed by the war room, in the former cow barn, and with the various officers’ and enlisted mens’ clubs. So much so, that Gen. Spaatz ordered pictures taken, that he could send to Gen. Arnold. The favorable impression of the facilities, was as much a tribute to the ingenuity they represented, as to the function they served.
.
Monday, August 27, 2007
WAYNE DYER
Note: I made the following notes while listening to a Wayne Dyer VCR tape - “Power of Intention”. (My energy is coming from a Source.)
“Mans Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankel.
Sell your cleverness, and purchase bewilderment.
Anger, resentment and hatred are “low energy”.
2nd Truth is beauty.
Everyone is born a genius. But, living de-geniuses you.
Learn to think like God thinks - all the rest is detail.
Pay attention to your inner thoughts - radical humility.
What is my purpose?
I came from a Source - a Source that creates perfection.
Need to fulfill your beliefs - St. Francis of Assisi.
Be receptive. Recovery mode. “Let it go - Let God live it.
Motivation vs. Inspiration - you don’t want to die with your music still in you.
Your presence should do things to other people - they will feel calmer. They have high energy. Don’t join others in their low energy. Low energy can’t bring you down. Your presence makes other people feel up-lifted.
I am whole, and I came from a Source of creation.
When you “define” another human being, you are only labeling yourself. When you “judge” someone else, it doesn’t make them that. Try to be better than you used to be. BE LOVE!
Stand in the same room with the Michelangelo statue of David - 18 feet tall. (in Venice. “David was already in the block of marble. I just chipped the marble away.”) Every beauty that we see is connecting with “Source”.
“Ode to a Grecian Urn” - by Keats.
Natural state is “Beauty”. I want to experience “Beauty”!
DYER DOZEN.
1. Want more for others than you want for yourself.
2. Think from the end.
3. Be an appreciator.
4. Stay in rapport with Source energy.
5. Understand resistance. Unkind thoughts - judgments.
6.Contemplate yourself with the conditions you want to produce.
7.Understand the art of allowing. Allow energy.
8. Practice your humility.
9. Be in constant state of gratitude.
10. Do not resolve a problem by condemning it.
11. Play the “match” game.
12.Meditate. You cannot divide God. You can’t divide Source. It’s the way you look at things. Decide on happiness ahead of time.
Mission - God realization - stay in harmony with your Source energy. You never regret what you do. You only regret what you don’t do.
- -Wayne Dyer.
“Mans Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankel.
Sell your cleverness, and purchase bewilderment.
Anger, resentment and hatred are “low energy”.
2nd Truth is beauty.
Everyone is born a genius. But, living de-geniuses you.
Learn to think like God thinks - all the rest is detail.
Pay attention to your inner thoughts - radical humility.
What is my purpose?
I came from a Source - a Source that creates perfection.
Need to fulfill your beliefs - St. Francis of Assisi.
Be receptive. Recovery mode. “Let it go - Let God live it.
Motivation vs. Inspiration - you don’t want to die with your music still in you.
Your presence should do things to other people - they will feel calmer. They have high energy. Don’t join others in their low energy. Low energy can’t bring you down. Your presence makes other people feel up-lifted.
I am whole, and I came from a Source of creation.
When you “define” another human being, you are only labeling yourself. When you “judge” someone else, it doesn’t make them that. Try to be better than you used to be. BE LOVE!
Stand in the same room with the Michelangelo statue of David - 18 feet tall. (in Venice. “David was already in the block of marble. I just chipped the marble away.”) Every beauty that we see is connecting with “Source”.
“Ode to a Grecian Urn” - by Keats.
Natural state is “Beauty”. I want to experience “Beauty”!
DYER DOZEN.
1. Want more for others than you want for yourself.
2. Think from the end.
3. Be an appreciator.
4. Stay in rapport with Source energy.
5. Understand resistance. Unkind thoughts - judgments.
6.Contemplate yourself with the conditions you want to produce.
7.Understand the art of allowing. Allow energy.
8. Practice your humility.
9. Be in constant state of gratitude.
10. Do not resolve a problem by condemning it.
11. Play the “match” game.
12.Meditate. You cannot divide God. You can’t divide Source. It’s the way you look at things. Decide on happiness ahead of time.
Mission - God realization - stay in harmony with your Source energy. You never regret what you do. You only regret what you don’t do.
- -Wayne Dyer.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
AUGUST 23, 1943. - TUNIS, NORTH AFRICA.
AUGUST 23, 1943.
The Squadron is non-operational today. I worked in the Officers’ Club this morning. This afternoon, Mac, Harold, Bob and I went swimming in the Med. Afterwards, we went to the PX and had a good supper - steak, onions, tomatoes, creamed peas, baked pepper, bread and jam, coffee and caramel-custard crème puff for dessert.
I ran into Jack Fields. It is the first time that we have seen each other in five years. Jack and I are close friends. We both grew up in Hillsdale, Michigan. We were together at Central school from kindergarten through the sixth grade. We were Safety Patrol Boys together. Small world! I also saw John Cadger, who was in the Bombardier Class ahead of me (42-14), in Victorville, CA. I graduated on October 31, 1942.
The Club opened tonight, and it is quite nice. A game of “skill points” was in progress. A couple of enlisted men were singing hill billy and western songs. The beverages were good - rum, wine, bourbon, gin, lime mix, ginger ale, and fruit juices - direct from Cairo!
The Squadron is non-operational today. I worked in the Officers’ Club this morning. This afternoon, Mac, Harold, Bob and I went swimming in the Med. Afterwards, we went to the PX and had a good supper - steak, onions, tomatoes, creamed peas, baked pepper, bread and jam, coffee and caramel-custard crème puff for dessert.
I ran into Jack Fields. It is the first time that we have seen each other in five years. Jack and I are close friends. We both grew up in Hillsdale, Michigan. We were together at Central school from kindergarten through the sixth grade. We were Safety Patrol Boys together. Small world! I also saw John Cadger, who was in the Bombardier Class ahead of me (42-14), in Victorville, CA. I graduated on October 31, 1942.
The Club opened tonight, and it is quite nice. A game of “skill points” was in progress. A couple of enlisted men were singing hill billy and western songs. The beverages were good - rum, wine, bourbon, gin, lime mix, ginger ale, and fruit juices - direct from Cairo!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
MISSION NO. 45.
MISSION NO. 45 - Foggia, Italy Airdrome. Wed. August 25,1943.
0630 Briefing this morning, and then off to Italy, as per usual. We carried “frags” (fragmentation bombs), and had a P-38 fighter escort, which was comforting. Major O’Connor led the Squadron, and the Group, and he did a good job.
The weather was good en-route - and over the target. Moe lost an engine before reaching our Initial Point (to start our bomb run), and another engine after we left the target. I saw him flying thousands of feet below us on two engines, and still losing altitude. Four P-38’s were flying protection for him.
I didn’t notice any flak, but they threw plenty up at the Squadron behind us. I saw two German fighters, and they both came in at us. One of them was at our level and coming at us head-on. The German pilot and I were firing our guns point blank at each other. I could see my 50 caliber tracers (every fifth round) ricochet off his wing as he rolled and did a split “S” underneath and to our rear. He came so close that I could see that he needed a shave. This is my lucky day! The squadron shot down a ME 109. I don’t think it was the same one that I fired on. I think that one was a FW-190.
Bomb load 24 frags (2880#). Mission time 07:00 hours.
0630 Briefing this morning, and then off to Italy, as per usual. We carried “frags” (fragmentation bombs), and had a P-38 fighter escort, which was comforting. Major O’Connor led the Squadron, and the Group, and he did a good job.
The weather was good en-route - and over the target. Moe lost an engine before reaching our Initial Point (to start our bomb run), and another engine after we left the target. I saw him flying thousands of feet below us on two engines, and still losing altitude. Four P-38’s were flying protection for him.
I didn’t notice any flak, but they threw plenty up at the Squadron behind us. I saw two German fighters, and they both came in at us. One of them was at our level and coming at us head-on. The German pilot and I were firing our guns point blank at each other. I could see my 50 caliber tracers (every fifth round) ricochet off his wing as he rolled and did a split “S” underneath and to our rear. He came so close that I could see that he needed a shave. This is my lucky day! The squadron shot down a ME 109. I don’t think it was the same one that I fired on. I think that one was a FW-190.
Bomb load 24 frags (2880#). Mission time 07:00 hours.
Friday, August 24, 2007
MISSION #44.
MISSION NO.44. Aversa, Italy - Rail marshalling yards - Aug. 21,1943.
Briefing at 0830, and then off to Italy. I flew with Maj. O’Connor (our 429th Squadron C.O.) and Col. Thomas (our 2nd Bomb Group C.O.) The Col. led on his last authorized mission - his 55th mission!
We went in to the target area at 20,000 feet along with our 72 P-38 escort!. No wonder we didn’t see any enemy fighters to tangle with. Flak was light, as I saw only a few puffs of black smoke. We did a pretty good job bombing the marshalling yards. Jack had bomb- rack trouble, and couldn’t release his bombs. So, they made a pass over Naples and he salvoed them there. (that was a pretty risky alternative target!)..
Bomb load - 12- 500’s. Mission Time 6:00 hours.
Briefing at 0830, and then off to Italy. I flew with Maj. O’Connor (our 429th Squadron C.O.) and Col. Thomas (our 2nd Bomb Group C.O.) The Col. led on his last authorized mission - his 55th mission!
We went in to the target area at 20,000 feet along with our 72 P-38 escort!. No wonder we didn’t see any enemy fighters to tangle with. Flak was light, as I saw only a few puffs of black smoke. We did a pretty good job bombing the marshalling yards. Jack had bomb- rack trouble, and couldn’t release his bombs. So, they made a pass over Naples and he salvoed them there. (that was a pretty risky alternative target!)..
Bomb load - 12- 500’s. Mission Time 6:00 hours.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
APPLES
APPLES.
Joan brought us some food the other day. Included, was an apple from Manny’s tree. It had a great appearance. I kept looking for the little black dot, which was a sign that a worm had visited. I didn’t see any. When I cut it open, there wasn’t a worm - or evidence - inside either. (The apple tasted very good!). The reason that I was so worm-conscious, is that we used to have a golden -delicious tree in our back yard. I was on a first name basis with the worms, when I cut the apples open.
The tree bore great fruit for many years. Besides being a tasty eating apple -, I used them for apple pies and apple sauce. The tree was in among some junipers, so that the gathering of the apples was quite labor intensive. I wasn’t able to pick many of them. They ended up on the ground - under the junipers for compost, or food for wildlife.
The tree eventually picked up a disease, as I didn’t spray it. The apple crop was very small, and the quality was poor. Jeff, our yard man, suggested that he cut it down (for a fee). He said that he could use some of the wood for the ball-point pens that he was making. So, he talked us into it. While I miss the tree, and the apples a lot, the empty space is gradually being filled by the adjacent large-pine tree. I hired an Arborist a few years back, and at that time, he said that we should cut down the adjacent pine tree, as it was crowding out the very nice apple tree!
I grew up with apples - back in Michigan. While we didn’t have our own apple tree, there were plenty of apples (spies; Baldwin’s; great northerns and others) grown around the local area. Quite a few apple orchards had cider mills. We would drive out to one of these farms in the fall, and buy a couple gallons of cider plus a bushel of apples. We had to drink the cider fairly soon, or else we would have had cognac! We ate a few of the apples right away, but we wrapped the others, individually, in newspaper, and packed them back in the bushel basket. We stored them in the cold-cellar in the basement (along with the canned fruit; jellies and jams; and grape juice.) The apples stayed surprisingly fresh-like all winter. My Mother also used them for pies, apple sauce, apple cobbler, and apple butter and baked apples.
Joan brought us some food the other day. Included, was an apple from Manny’s tree. It had a great appearance. I kept looking for the little black dot, which was a sign that a worm had visited. I didn’t see any. When I cut it open, there wasn’t a worm - or evidence - inside either. (The apple tasted very good!). The reason that I was so worm-conscious, is that we used to have a golden -delicious tree in our back yard. I was on a first name basis with the worms, when I cut the apples open.
The tree bore great fruit for many years. Besides being a tasty eating apple -, I used them for apple pies and apple sauce. The tree was in among some junipers, so that the gathering of the apples was quite labor intensive. I wasn’t able to pick many of them. They ended up on the ground - under the junipers for compost, or food for wildlife.
The tree eventually picked up a disease, as I didn’t spray it. The apple crop was very small, and the quality was poor. Jeff, our yard man, suggested that he cut it down (for a fee). He said that he could use some of the wood for the ball-point pens that he was making. So, he talked us into it. While I miss the tree, and the apples a lot, the empty space is gradually being filled by the adjacent large-pine tree. I hired an Arborist a few years back, and at that time, he said that we should cut down the adjacent pine tree, as it was crowding out the very nice apple tree!
I grew up with apples - back in Michigan. While we didn’t have our own apple tree, there were plenty of apples (spies; Baldwin’s; great northerns and others) grown around the local area. Quite a few apple orchards had cider mills. We would drive out to one of these farms in the fall, and buy a couple gallons of cider plus a bushel of apples. We had to drink the cider fairly soon, or else we would have had cognac! We ate a few of the apples right away, but we wrapped the others, individually, in newspaper, and packed them back in the bushel basket. We stored them in the cold-cellar in the basement (along with the canned fruit; jellies and jams; and grape juice.) The apples stayed surprisingly fresh-like all winter. My Mother also used them for pies, apple sauce, apple cobbler, and apple butter and baked apples.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
MISSION No.43
MISSION NO. 43. Foggia. Thursday, August 19, 1943.
Briefing at 0720, and over Italy at noon. I was the lead bombardier for the Squadron, and also the second wave, with Capt. Kutschera. Our bomb run was at 20,000 feet. We also were escorted by P-38’s - from the 14th Fighter Group - for a change.
The flak was intense and very accurate, although we didn’t receive many holes. We lost five planes, and crews from the Group, due to enemy -fighters cannons and their aerial bombs (a new tactic). There were many injured crewmen, and many planes were damaged. Two planes left our formation after departing the target area, and went in to Palermo with injured aboard.
We hit the town with 12 - 500’s, and did a pretty good job of area bombing. The first wave of B-17’s wiped out a power house. Foggia, and all the surrounding airdromes; Naples and Messina have been our toughest missions. When they announce these targets at “Briefing”, I can feel the tension surrounding me.
After our mission, the Group received a “Commendation” from General Atkinson (Wing Commander).
Mission time 06:30. T.B.W.T.D. = 205,120#.
Briefing at 0720, and over Italy at noon. I was the lead bombardier for the Squadron, and also the second wave, with Capt. Kutschera. Our bomb run was at 20,000 feet. We also were escorted by P-38’s - from the 14th Fighter Group - for a change.
The flak was intense and very accurate, although we didn’t receive many holes. We lost five planes, and crews from the Group, due to enemy -fighters cannons and their aerial bombs (a new tactic). There were many injured crewmen, and many planes were damaged. Two planes left our formation after departing the target area, and went in to Palermo with injured aboard.
We hit the town with 12 - 500’s, and did a pretty good job of area bombing. The first wave of B-17’s wiped out a power house. Foggia, and all the surrounding airdromes; Naples and Messina have been our toughest missions. When they announce these targets at “Briefing”, I can feel the tension surrounding me.
After our mission, the Group received a “Commendation” from General Atkinson (Wing Commander).
Mission time 06:30. T.B.W.T.D. = 205,120#.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
GRANDMA'S COOKIES
Grandma L’Amoreaux’s Sour- Cream Cookies:*
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup sour cream (8 oz. carton.)
1 cup shortening (Crisco or vegetable oil)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon (heaping) baking powder
1 teaspoon (scant) baking soda
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ to one cup walnuts.
Mix ingredients well. Bake @ 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
* Glen Jordan’s wife’s recipe. Copied from Mom’s recipe card 1/10/99.
Memo:
The Jordan’s lived in a white house a few doors down from Grandma - on Oak Street - towards Prospect Park - in Ypsilanti.
After Glen’s wife died, he and Grandma “dated” (sort of). They used to share their cooking. Mom confided in me that he wanted her to move in with him, but she told him that she wasn’t interested!
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup sour cream (8 oz. carton.)
1 cup shortening (Crisco or vegetable oil)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon (heaping) baking powder
1 teaspoon (scant) baking soda
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ to one cup walnuts.
Mix ingredients well. Bake @ 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
* Glen Jordan’s wife’s recipe. Copied from Mom’s recipe card 1/10/99.
Memo:
The Jordan’s lived in a white house a few doors down from Grandma - on Oak Street - towards Prospect Park - in Ypsilanti.
After Glen’s wife died, he and Grandma “dated” (sort of). They used to share their cooking. Mom confided in me that he wanted her to move in with him, but she told him that she wasn’t interested!
Monday, August 20, 2007
MISSION # 42.
MISSION #42. Istre Les Patis Airdrome. August 17, 1943.
This is the Group’s first mission to France. We went in with two waves of B-17’s. We led the Squadron, flying with pilot Major O’Connor (C.O.) I passed my 600 total Observer hours- mark today.
The weather was good, but the smoke from the preceding Group’s bombs, plus the smoke from the smudge pots, on the ground, obliterated the target area. So, we didn’t go in on the briefed heading, but circled the target area with a 360 degree turn, and dropped our bombs in the general target area. The flak was moderate to heavy, but inaccurate as to our Squadron. But, we lost Fisher, Kinnan, Taylor, O’Shocky and the rest of their crew, when they were hit in their No.3 engine, and it caught fire. I watched the plane diving down on fire, and then break in two. The wing came off during a flat spin. Each piece was aflame! I then noticed seven -open chutes. I saw two fighters but they didn’t attack us.
At our de-briefing after the mission, I learned that Mac counted 46 flak holes in his plane. His Waist -Gunner, Shifferd, was the only one hit! He received a piece of shrapnel in his foot - taking part of his foot with it.
Mission Time: 0930 (our longest mission). We dropped 2880 pounds of frag bombs. T.B.W.T.D.= 199,120 pounds.
I saw a gala display of “fireworks” tonight, during the Germans’ bombing of Bizerte. There were tracers and ack-ack galore in the sky for about 30 minutes.
This is the Group’s first mission to France. We went in with two waves of B-17’s. We led the Squadron, flying with pilot Major O’Connor (C.O.) I passed my 600 total Observer hours- mark today.
The weather was good, but the smoke from the preceding Group’s bombs, plus the smoke from the smudge pots, on the ground, obliterated the target area. So, we didn’t go in on the briefed heading, but circled the target area with a 360 degree turn, and dropped our bombs in the general target area. The flak was moderate to heavy, but inaccurate as to our Squadron. But, we lost Fisher, Kinnan, Taylor, O’Shocky and the rest of their crew, when they were hit in their No.3 engine, and it caught fire. I watched the plane diving down on fire, and then break in two. The wing came off during a flat spin. Each piece was aflame! I then noticed seven -open chutes. I saw two fighters but they didn’t attack us.
At our de-briefing after the mission, I learned that Mac counted 46 flak holes in his plane. His Waist -Gunner, Shifferd, was the only one hit! He received a piece of shrapnel in his foot - taking part of his foot with it.
Mission Time: 0930 (our longest mission). We dropped 2880 pounds of frag bombs. T.B.W.T.D.= 199,120 pounds.
I saw a gala display of “fireworks” tonight, during the Germans’ bombing of Bizerte. There were tracers and ack-ack galore in the sky for about 30 minutes.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
CRUISE BREAKFAST MENU
Saturday - September 25, 1982.
Aboard - “Flagship - #5042.
Good Morning to all shipmates:
Marie and Ray offer -
THE CAPTAIN’S CONTINENTAL REAKFAST:
Cantaloupe Cutups, Glorious Grapes and Grapefruit.
Colossal Canadian Bacon.
Saucy Sausages.
Supremely Scrambled Eggs.
Magnificent Muffins.
Delightful Donuts
Delectable Drinks:
- orange juice
- guava nectar
- milk
- coffee
Aboard - “Flagship - #5042.
Good Morning to all shipmates:
Marie and Ray offer -
THE CAPTAIN’S CONTINENTAL REAKFAST:
Cantaloupe Cutups, Glorious Grapes and Grapefruit.
Colossal Canadian Bacon.
Saucy Sausages.
Supremely Scrambled Eggs.
Magnificent Muffins.
Delightful Donuts
Delectable Drinks:
- orange juice
- guava nectar
- milk
- coffee
Saturday, August 18, 2007
HOUSEBOATING - 3
HOUSEBOATING - 3
Sunday, September 26, 1982.
( It is now 0925, and the HF repair crew hasn’t arrived. They said that they would be here by 0830!)
Greg, Manny and Doug baited their poles after Rick spotted a large fish jumping out of the water. Greg caught a smelt, and threw it back in.
The HF houseboat, with the repair crew, has arrived! (time;- 10:55.) They said that they were delayed this morning because they had to go to Rio Vista to get a cable. They had repaired the cable by 1125, and left us at 1130.
We had trouble getting the anchor out, with the wind and tide. We finally departed for the HF dock at 1145. We docked At Herman’s and Helen’s at noon to take on fresh water. We all visited the store and rest rooms while we were tied up. We left the dock at 1300. The ferry was on one of it’s runs across the slough, so we didn’t have to watch for te cable.
We anchored in Disappointment Slough at 1330 for lunch. Mary and Greg are “Chefs“ for lunch. (Everyone was on their own for dinner last night, and they barbecued after the “Cocktail Hour”. Anne and Rick served lunch on Saturday. Marie and Ray served breakfast on Saturday, and Joan and Manny hosted breakfast today.)
We left Disappointment slough at 1500 - after a nice lunch. Back at the Holiday dock at 1545.
Post-Cruise Recap:
What we learned: None of the passengers have been on a cruise since!
The Moral: Stick to dry land! Rent two motor homes next time.
Summary: Now we know how Disappointment Slough got it’s name!
Sunday, September 26, 1982.
( It is now 0925, and the HF repair crew hasn’t arrived. They said that they would be here by 0830!)
Greg, Manny and Doug baited their poles after Rick spotted a large fish jumping out of the water. Greg caught a smelt, and threw it back in.
The HF houseboat, with the repair crew, has arrived! (time;- 10:55.) They said that they were delayed this morning because they had to go to Rio Vista to get a cable. They had repaired the cable by 1125, and left us at 1130.
We had trouble getting the anchor out, with the wind and tide. We finally departed for the HF dock at 1145. We docked At Herman’s and Helen’s at noon to take on fresh water. We all visited the store and rest rooms while we were tied up. We left the dock at 1300. The ferry was on one of it’s runs across the slough, so we didn’t have to watch for te cable.
We anchored in Disappointment Slough at 1330 for lunch. Mary and Greg are “Chefs“ for lunch. (Everyone was on their own for dinner last night, and they barbecued after the “Cocktail Hour”. Anne and Rick served lunch on Saturday. Marie and Ray served breakfast on Saturday, and Joan and Manny hosted breakfast today.)
We left Disappointment slough at 1500 - after a nice lunch. Back at the Holiday dock at 1545.
Post-Cruise Recap:
What we learned: None of the passengers have been on a cruise since!
The Moral: Stick to dry land! Rent two motor homes next time.
Summary: Now we know how Disappointment Slough got it’s name!
Friday, August 17, 2007
HOUSEBOATING -2
HOUSEBOATING - 2.
1645 - Saturday:- We hailed John Awligon, of Walnut Creek. He offered to try and pull us off the rocks with his small runabout. He called the Rio Vista Coast Guard on his VHF radio. The Coast Guard said that they would dispatch a boat.
In the meantime, Manny, Rick, and Greg pushed the Flagship off the rocks. During their “push”, Rick slipped, and went in the water up to his waist! (He had to go to bed, until Anne dried out his pants.)
Greg, Manny and Doug are fishing. Doug caught two fish; Manny one, and Greg was shut out.
1900 - Saturday. The Holiday crew just arrived (two men and Carol). The Coast Guard never showed up. The H.F. crew said that the Coast Guard didn’t notify them either. They said that they did get phone calls from two other H.F. houseboats. He said that he got the word at 1630, but he was at the other end of the slough.
The crew checked the controls and started the engine, and confirmed the broken throttle cable. They said that it would take 1and ¼ hours to tow the boat back to the dock, but only 30 minutes to tow us to Potato Slough. We agreed to be anchored there for the night. We left in-tow at 1930.
The ride was the best part of the weekend! It was a smooth ride - warm with a big moon overhead. Our heading to Potato Slough is 250 degrees. We enjoyed the ride - sightseeing and moon-watching. The crew anchored us in a cove in Potato Slough at 2030. They promised to return in the morning to repair the cable. When we pinned them down, as to what time we might expect them, He said, “0830 at the latest”.(To be continued.)
1645 - Saturday:- We hailed John Awligon, of Walnut Creek. He offered to try and pull us off the rocks with his small runabout. He called the Rio Vista Coast Guard on his VHF radio. The Coast Guard said that they would dispatch a boat.
In the meantime, Manny, Rick, and Greg pushed the Flagship off the rocks. During their “push”, Rick slipped, and went in the water up to his waist! (He had to go to bed, until Anne dried out his pants.)
Greg, Manny and Doug are fishing. Doug caught two fish; Manny one, and Greg was shut out.
1900 - Saturday. The Holiday crew just arrived (two men and Carol). The Coast Guard never showed up. The H.F. crew said that the Coast Guard didn’t notify them either. They said that they did get phone calls from two other H.F. houseboats. He said that he got the word at 1630, but he was at the other end of the slough.
The crew checked the controls and started the engine, and confirmed the broken throttle cable. They said that it would take 1and ¼ hours to tow the boat back to the dock, but only 30 minutes to tow us to Potato Slough. We agreed to be anchored there for the night. We left in-tow at 1930.
The ride was the best part of the weekend! It was a smooth ride - warm with a big moon overhead. Our heading to Potato Slough is 250 degrees. We enjoyed the ride - sightseeing and moon-watching. The crew anchored us in a cove in Potato Slough at 2030. They promised to return in the morning to repair the cable. When we pinned them down, as to what time we might expect them, He said, “0830 at the latest”.(To be continued.)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
HOUSEBOATING (Cont.)
HOUSEBOATING - 1
Saturday, Sept. 25, 1982.
The weekend is starting out as a “bummer“. It started raining during the night. Some were trying to sleep out on deck, until they were flushed out. Anne and Rick moved into their car to spend the rest of the night, and the others came inside, dripping.
The gas gauge shows the tank a third down, and the water tank empty! We had to fill the tank in the rain. We told the HF employee that there must be a leak in the water tank! (Note:- After our return on Sunday, we found out why the water tank was empty. A HF employee was putting water in the vent spout, instead of the tank filler!)
About 8;30, we went to the office to get someone to check us out. It was pouring rain! You say that we should have gotten a weather report before leaving home? We confirmed our reservation on September 9th.
After checking us out on Disappointment Slough, he brought us back in and gassed-up the boat.
We left the HF dock at 0930, Saturday. Raining! Our reservation half over and we are just leaving. Heading west in Disappointment Slough (I wonder how it got it’s name?). Then, north to Potato Slough. West to San Joaquin River, arriving here at 1130. Then, we headed north to the Mokelumne river. Then east to the South Mokelumne river. Sounds like we were going in a circle. Probably were!
At 1315, we attempted to anchor for lunch and fishing. During the maneuvering, and jockeying the throttle, the throttle linkage broke. Now, we are stranded against the rocks lining the inside of the levee’.
A Holiday Flotel boat passed by, and we hailed it. They then went east a quarter of a mile, to a private pier. Two of the passengers went into the house to phone Holiday. An hour later, we were still stranded. Another boat came by, and we hailed them. They tried CB-ing Holiday, but they weren’t monitoring their radio. So, the people on the other boat, very nicely,
radioed the Coast Guard.
At 1440, another small boat came by and said that the first boat had given the Coast Guard the wrong end of the Slough, for our location. The Coast Guard called Holiday, and they said that they would dispatch their chase boat. (To be continued).
Saturday, Sept. 25, 1982.
The weekend is starting out as a “bummer“. It started raining during the night. Some were trying to sleep out on deck, until they were flushed out. Anne and Rick moved into their car to spend the rest of the night, and the others came inside, dripping.
The gas gauge shows the tank a third down, and the water tank empty! We had to fill the tank in the rain. We told the HF employee that there must be a leak in the water tank! (Note:- After our return on Sunday, we found out why the water tank was empty. A HF employee was putting water in the vent spout, instead of the tank filler!)
About 8;30, we went to the office to get someone to check us out. It was pouring rain! You say that we should have gotten a weather report before leaving home? We confirmed our reservation on September 9th.
After checking us out on Disappointment Slough, he brought us back in and gassed-up the boat.
We left the HF dock at 0930, Saturday. Raining! Our reservation half over and we are just leaving. Heading west in Disappointment Slough (I wonder how it got it’s name?). Then, north to Potato Slough. West to San Joaquin River, arriving here at 1130. Then, we headed north to the Mokelumne river. Then east to the South Mokelumne river. Sounds like we were going in a circle. Probably were!
At 1315, we attempted to anchor for lunch and fishing. During the maneuvering, and jockeying the throttle, the throttle linkage broke. Now, we are stranded against the rocks lining the inside of the levee’.
A Holiday Flotel boat passed by, and we hailed it. They then went east a quarter of a mile, to a private pier. Two of the passengers went into the house to phone Holiday. An hour later, we were still stranded. Another boat came by, and we hailed them. They tried CB-ing Holiday, but they weren’t monitoring their radio. So, the people on the other boat, very nicely,
radioed the Coast Guard.
At 1440, another small boat came by and said that the first boat had given the Coast Guard the wrong end of the Slough, for our location. The Coast Guard called Holiday, and they said that they would dispatch their chase boat. (To be continued).
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
HOUSEBOATING
HOUSEBOATING
Our growing family rented a houseboat 25 years ago. We all enjoyed our outings together. It took some effort to set up these events, so someone suggested that we establish a “Family Activities Coordinator”. We all thought that would be a good idea, with the understanding that the responsibility would be rotated among the adults every calendar year.
The year was 1982. Anne volunteered to be the first Coordinator. I don’t remember who suggested “House-boating”, but we all agreed that it would be fun to try it. As it turned out, we had too high expectations for a wonderful weekend!
The rental period was from noon on Friday (Sept.24) to 4 P,M. Sunday (Sept. 26). The cost was $323.00, plus the gas used. The boat slept ten. “Flagship” was the name of our boat. The crew, and passengers were:
Marie and Ray
Anne, Rick, Doug and Brad.
Mary and Greg.
Joan, Manny and Melissa.
I am getting the above information from a copy of our “Boarding Pass”, and the following, from a copy of the “Flagships” (#5042) Log, that Manny sent me recently.
We all assembled at the Holiday Flotels- Delta dock at 11540 West Eight Mile road, in Stockton. The following is from the Ship’s Log:
Friday afternoon, Sept. 24,1982.
Marie, Manny and I (Ray) arrived at Holiday Flotel’s dock about 3:30 PM. We signed the contract and got our instructions.
We started to load our supplies on board. A HF employee cane aboard at 1645 to explain the controls and systems. He said that he couldn’t take the boat out to check us out after 5 PM, according to Coast Guard regulations. He said that they came to work at 7AM, and he would be around to check us out about 7:30 Saturday morning. He said that it was filled with gasoline, butane and water. (To be continued.)
Our growing family rented a houseboat 25 years ago. We all enjoyed our outings together. It took some effort to set up these events, so someone suggested that we establish a “Family Activities Coordinator”. We all thought that would be a good idea, with the understanding that the responsibility would be rotated among the adults every calendar year.
The year was 1982. Anne volunteered to be the first Coordinator. I don’t remember who suggested “House-boating”, but we all agreed that it would be fun to try it. As it turned out, we had too high expectations for a wonderful weekend!
The rental period was from noon on Friday (Sept.24) to 4 P,M. Sunday (Sept. 26). The cost was $323.00, plus the gas used. The boat slept ten. “Flagship” was the name of our boat. The crew, and passengers were:
Marie and Ray
Anne, Rick, Doug and Brad.
Mary and Greg.
Joan, Manny and Melissa.
I am getting the above information from a copy of our “Boarding Pass”, and the following, from a copy of the “Flagships” (#5042) Log, that Manny sent me recently.
We all assembled at the Holiday Flotels- Delta dock at 11540 West Eight Mile road, in Stockton. The following is from the Ship’s Log:
Friday afternoon, Sept. 24,1982.
Marie, Manny and I (Ray) arrived at Holiday Flotel’s dock about 3:30 PM. We signed the contract and got our instructions.
We started to load our supplies on board. A HF employee cane aboard at 1645 to explain the controls and systems. He said that he couldn’t take the boat out to check us out after 5 PM, according to Coast Guard regulations. He said that they came to work at 7AM, and he would be around to check us out about 7:30 Saturday morning. He said that it was filled with gasoline, butane and water. (To be continued.)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Macaroni and Cheese
MACARONI and CHEESE.
Today, I was eating lunch, here at home. I was enjoying macaroni and cheese (Stouffer’s), and crackers. While this doesn’t seem like anything to write about, macaroni and I go back a long way. It was a “staple” - when I was in my teens - during the Great Depression years of the 1930’s. My Mother prepared a lot of delicious dishes - scalloped potatoes, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, rice and noodles. She prepared all of these from scratch! She even rolled out the egg noodles, and then used her noodle cutter. Today, we call all these delicious \foods - “starches”. Back then, the only starch that I knew, was the liquid that my Mom would add to clothes - after washing and before ironing - to give them “body”.
I ,also, fixed me a delicious lettuce and tomato salad for lunch. The lettuce via Safeway, and the tomato (my first) from the “Early Girl” plant that Joan gave me - and I planted.
Reflecting on the macaroni, I always have a flashback to 1947-49. I was attending Cal -Berkeley. (Marie was working - first at the Kaiser headquarters in Oakland, and then at California Research - a Chevron subsidiary in Richmond.). I usually ate at the cafeteria in the Students’ Union.
There were about 18,000 students back then - a big majority of us were WWII veterans, going to college on the G.I. Bill. This government program paid for our tuition and books, plus a $90 (later increased to $105) a month stipend for married veterans, To put it bluntly, we didn’t have much “walking around money.” Now, my memory of macaroni.
Every day, I would see this fellow eating, and each time it was macaroni and crackers. I finally figured it out. The macaroni was the least expensive dish at the cafeteria. The fellow, like me, apparently didn’t have much money. He was quite resourceful. The packaged crackers were on the counter, for those getting soup. So, he helped himself. Why not? There wasn’t a sign saying “For soup eaters only.” So, I followed suit! What a great combination - macaroni and crackers!
With this food- background, you wouldn’t think that I would eat macaroni today. Maybe it is because it brings back a pleasant experience, re-living all these old memories.
Today, I was eating lunch, here at home. I was enjoying macaroni and cheese (Stouffer’s), and crackers. While this doesn’t seem like anything to write about, macaroni and I go back a long way. It was a “staple” - when I was in my teens - during the Great Depression years of the 1930’s. My Mother prepared a lot of delicious dishes - scalloped potatoes, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, rice and noodles. She prepared all of these from scratch! She even rolled out the egg noodles, and then used her noodle cutter. Today, we call all these delicious \foods - “starches”. Back then, the only starch that I knew, was the liquid that my Mom would add to clothes - after washing and before ironing - to give them “body”.
I ,also, fixed me a delicious lettuce and tomato salad for lunch. The lettuce via Safeway, and the tomato (my first) from the “Early Girl” plant that Joan gave me - and I planted.
Reflecting on the macaroni, I always have a flashback to 1947-49. I was attending Cal -Berkeley. (Marie was working - first at the Kaiser headquarters in Oakland, and then at California Research - a Chevron subsidiary in Richmond.). I usually ate at the cafeteria in the Students’ Union.
There were about 18,000 students back then - a big majority of us were WWII veterans, going to college on the G.I. Bill. This government program paid for our tuition and books, plus a $90 (later increased to $105) a month stipend for married veterans, To put it bluntly, we didn’t have much “walking around money.” Now, my memory of macaroni.
Every day, I would see this fellow eating, and each time it was macaroni and crackers. I finally figured it out. The macaroni was the least expensive dish at the cafeteria. The fellow, like me, apparently didn’t have much money. He was quite resourceful. The packaged crackers were on the counter, for those getting soup. So, he helped himself. Why not? There wasn’t a sign saying “For soup eaters only.” So, I followed suit! What a great combination - macaroni and crackers!
With this food- background, you wouldn’t think that I would eat macaroni today. Maybe it is because it brings back a pleasant experience, re-living all these old memories.
Monday, August 13, 2007
ROME - Mission # 41.
ROME.
Friday, August 13, 1943. Mission No. 41.
Our 2nd mission on Rome today. We flew the first one on July 19th. On that one, the Commanding Officer gave the Catholic bombardiers a chance to opt out of the mission, if they couldn’t resolve any conflict of conscience, that they might have. I felt that I was obeying orders, and any responsibility for the consequences, rested with those higher up who issued the order. I have given a lot of thought to this reasoning since. I have concluded that this is the same faulty reasoning that the non-Nazi Germans, the Catholic church and the rest of the world used when it came to Hitler! If we Catholic bombardiers had decided to “stand down”, they would have had to scrub the mission.
I flew with Capt. Kutschera as a “Extra” crew. (We would replace any plane that had to abort the mission.). We started out in “Baby”, but couldn’t get the No. 4 engine started. So, we all piled out with our equipment and scurried down to #903. The formation was intact on leaving here, so tagged along anyway. Mac dropped out with prop trouble, so we flew in the #6 position, in our own squadron.
We went in at 25,000 feet - in two waves - with P-38’s escort. The flak was moderate to heavy, and very accurate as to altitude, as per usual. I saw two German fighters and both came in on us, but no damage. Our No. 2 engine started running rough, and Capt. had to feather the prop.
Capt. Dalton, Chemical Warfare Officer from Wing headquarters, rode with us again. Apparently, he needs to get his four hours of flying time for the month, in order to receive his “Flight Pay’ (50 percent of base pay.).
One more Friday the 13th, that I sweated out!
Mission Time - 05:15, Twelve 500’s bomb load.
MEMO:
The following is a recap of our first Rome raid on July 19, 1943.
Early briefing, and Catholics as well as non-Catholics were stunned when they announced today’s target as the rail-marshalling yards in Rome. Supposedly, this is the hub for war materials moving from Germany into Italy. We are the second Group of B-17’s into the target. This is the first bombing that Rome has experienced in the war.
Weather and visibility good. We were un-escorted by Allied fighters en-route. I saw a few enemy fighters, but none engaged. The flak was moderate but inaccurate. (Must have been Italian gun crews!). Some of the shells were from Siebel ferries, anchored off the coast.
At Briefing, we were warned time, and time again, to drop our bombs in the assigned target area (railroad marshalling yard), and we did just that! Before reaching the Initial Point to start our bomb run, I had a great birds’ eye view of Vatican City, the Forum and the Coliseum, below - to my left, from 21,500 feet. Bomb load 12- 500’s. Mission time 08:00.
Friday, August 13, 1943. Mission No. 41.
Our 2nd mission on Rome today. We flew the first one on July 19th. On that one, the Commanding Officer gave the Catholic bombardiers a chance to opt out of the mission, if they couldn’t resolve any conflict of conscience, that they might have. I felt that I was obeying orders, and any responsibility for the consequences, rested with those higher up who issued the order. I have given a lot of thought to this reasoning since. I have concluded that this is the same faulty reasoning that the non-Nazi Germans, the Catholic church and the rest of the world used when it came to Hitler! If we Catholic bombardiers had decided to “stand down”, they would have had to scrub the mission.
I flew with Capt. Kutschera as a “Extra” crew. (We would replace any plane that had to abort the mission.). We started out in “Baby”, but couldn’t get the No. 4 engine started. So, we all piled out with our equipment and scurried down to #903. The formation was intact on leaving here, so tagged along anyway. Mac dropped out with prop trouble, so we flew in the #6 position, in our own squadron.
We went in at 25,000 feet - in two waves - with P-38’s escort. The flak was moderate to heavy, and very accurate as to altitude, as per usual. I saw two German fighters and both came in on us, but no damage. Our No. 2 engine started running rough, and Capt. had to feather the prop.
Capt. Dalton, Chemical Warfare Officer from Wing headquarters, rode with us again. Apparently, he needs to get his four hours of flying time for the month, in order to receive his “Flight Pay’ (50 percent of base pay.).
One more Friday the 13th, that I sweated out!
Mission Time - 05:15, Twelve 500’s bomb load.
MEMO:
The following is a recap of our first Rome raid on July 19, 1943.
Early briefing, and Catholics as well as non-Catholics were stunned when they announced today’s target as the rail-marshalling yards in Rome. Supposedly, this is the hub for war materials moving from Germany into Italy. We are the second Group of B-17’s into the target. This is the first bombing that Rome has experienced in the war.
Weather and visibility good. We were un-escorted by Allied fighters en-route. I saw a few enemy fighters, but none engaged. The flak was moderate but inaccurate. (Must have been Italian gun crews!). Some of the shells were from Siebel ferries, anchored off the coast.
At Briefing, we were warned time, and time again, to drop our bombs in the assigned target area (railroad marshalling yard), and we did just that! Before reaching the Initial Point to start our bomb run, I had a great birds’ eye view of Vatican City, the Forum and the Coliseum, below - to my left, from 21,500 feet. Bomb load 12- 500’s. Mission time 08:00.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
RESIDENCES
Recently, I reflected on how many different States/Countries where I have lived! The list totals to 14 areas - most of these being military addresses. (*)
I was born at home - 8 South Manning Street, Hillsdale, Michigan. In total, I lived in Michigan for 19 years.
California leads the list, at 56 years.
Ohio - 7 years.
Hawaii - 4 years.
*North Africa - Morocco; Algeria; and Tunisia - 6 months.
*South Pacific - Clark Field, Manila; I.e. Shima/ Okinawa - 6 months.
*Other States - Illinois; Alabama; Washington; Montana; Nebraska; Arizona; South Carolina; Total - 2 years.
Granted, this is a lot of “moving”! The military moves were quite simple - comparatively. Fortunately, for the more difficult moves, they were few and long-term stays!
I was born at home - 8 South Manning Street, Hillsdale, Michigan. In total, I lived in Michigan for 19 years.
California leads the list, at 56 years.
Ohio - 7 years.
Hawaii - 4 years.
*North Africa - Morocco; Algeria; and Tunisia - 6 months.
*South Pacific - Clark Field, Manila; I.e. Shima/ Okinawa - 6 months.
*Other States - Illinois; Alabama; Washington; Montana; Nebraska; Arizona; South Carolina; Total - 2 years.
Granted, this is a lot of “moving”! The military moves were quite simple - comparatively. Fortunately, for the more difficult moves, they were few and long-term stays!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Wednesday, August 11, 1943
Wednesday, August 11, 1943.
I wasn’t scheduled to fly today, so this morning I helped censor the outgoing mail. This afternoon, we had a Staff meeting. Afterwards, Captains O’Connor, Hall and Kutschera; Redbird and I went to Carthage. We had a nice swim in the Mediterranean. Then, we went over to the French Officers’ Mess and had a keen supper - chicken and French fries. We all returned to Base afterwards.
I wasn’t scheduled to fly today, so this morning I helped censor the outgoing mail. This afternoon, we had a Staff meeting. Afterwards, Captains O’Connor, Hall and Kutschera; Redbird and I went to Carthage. We had a nice swim in the Mediterranean. Then, we went over to the French Officers’ Mess and had a keen supper - chicken and French fries. We all returned to Base afterwards.
Friday, August 10, 2007
JULIO.
I was reading an article on Julio Franco in this week’s Sports Illustrated. He has played major league baseball for nearly thirty years! He is only 40 years younger than I am! The Atlanta Braves just released him, and the article recaps his illustrious career.
Julio is the last remaining player to face Jim Kaat - who pitched to Ted Williams on the last day of the 1959 season! On April 20th, 2006, as a 46 year old Met, Julio became the oldest player to hit a major league home run! The only reason that I remember him is that he played for the Cleveland Indians 20 years ago. I went to an Oakland A’s game with Cleveland. The A’s weren’t playing very well that year, so they were getting small crowds. I remember that I was about the only one in my row - in the 2nd deck behind home plate. Julio hit a foul ball and it landed on my A’s sweater, which I had placed on the seat next to me. What a strange feeling to see the ball settle there. I have been going to ball games for many years, and I have never seen a ball retrieved so effortlessly. There was no scrum involved, as there was trying to retrieve Barry Bonds 756th home run! There were probably only 8,000 people there - probably not even a break-even attendance. Of course it was a weekday-day game - before the construction of Mt. Davis! This is the only “souvenir” ball that I have ever recovered in the stands! I gave the ball to my oldest grandson, Doug. I should have tried to get Julio to autograph it for him.
Another reason why I remembered Julio after all the passing years, is I like to repeat his name. It has such a melodious ring to it. My link to baseball history - one old guy to another old guy!
I was reading an article on Julio Franco in this week’s Sports Illustrated. He has played major league baseball for nearly thirty years! He is only 40 years younger than I am! The Atlanta Braves just released him, and the article recaps his illustrious career.
Julio is the last remaining player to face Jim Kaat - who pitched to Ted Williams on the last day of the 1959 season! On April 20th, 2006, as a 46 year old Met, Julio became the oldest player to hit a major league home run! The only reason that I remember him is that he played for the Cleveland Indians 20 years ago. I went to an Oakland A’s game with Cleveland. The A’s weren’t playing very well that year, so they were getting small crowds. I remember that I was about the only one in my row - in the 2nd deck behind home plate. Julio hit a foul ball and it landed on my A’s sweater, which I had placed on the seat next to me. What a strange feeling to see the ball settle there. I have been going to ball games for many years, and I have never seen a ball retrieved so effortlessly. There was no scrum involved, as there was trying to retrieve Barry Bonds 756th home run! There were probably only 8,000 people there - probably not even a break-even attendance. Of course it was a weekday-day game - before the construction of Mt. Davis! This is the only “souvenir” ball that I have ever recovered in the stands! I gave the ball to my oldest grandson, Doug. I should have tried to get Julio to autograph it for him.
Another reason why I remembered Julio after all the passing years, is I like to repeat his name. It has such a melodious ring to it. My link to baseball history - one old guy to another old guy!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
August 9, 1943 - Messina, Sicily.
MISSION NO. 40.
Our target today is Messina - the same highway bridge that we bombed last Friday. Briefing wasn’t until 1:3o this afternoon. General Jimmy Doolittle (Commander of our Twelfth Air Force0 was there, and went on the mission. I flew with Capt. O’Connor (our 429th Squadron C.O., and a West Point graduate)who was the pilot, for the first time. Capt. Murray (who joined the Squadron when my first pilot Ken Spinning transferred to the 49th Squadron), was our co-pilot. Capt. Dalton, from Wing Headquarters, rode with us.
Our Group was unescorted by fighters. On the bomb run, we flew at 23,500 feet and 150 knots I.A.S. We encountered a cloud deck below, that completely covered the targeted bridge. On the bomb run - about half way in from the Initial Point, I picked up the city of Messina, and set up a course to the ferry slips and rail marshalling yard, and dropped the bombs. Some hit the land, and others killed fish!
The flak was there, and quite accurate - even though the shells were fired beneath the cloud cover. Fortunately, we didn’t receive any injuries or holes in the plane.
Mission time - 04:30. Bomb load 12- 500’s. T.B.W.T.D.= 190,240#.
Our target today is Messina - the same highway bridge that we bombed last Friday. Briefing wasn’t until 1:3o this afternoon. General Jimmy Doolittle (Commander of our Twelfth Air Force0 was there, and went on the mission. I flew with Capt. O’Connor (our 429th Squadron C.O., and a West Point graduate)who was the pilot, for the first time. Capt. Murray (who joined the Squadron when my first pilot Ken Spinning transferred to the 49th Squadron), was our co-pilot. Capt. Dalton, from Wing Headquarters, rode with us.
Our Group was unescorted by fighters. On the bomb run, we flew at 23,500 feet and 150 knots I.A.S. We encountered a cloud deck below, that completely covered the targeted bridge. On the bomb run - about half way in from the Initial Point, I picked up the city of Messina, and set up a course to the ferry slips and rail marshalling yard, and dropped the bombs. Some hit the land, and others killed fish!
The flak was there, and quite accurate - even though the shells were fired beneath the cloud cover. Fortunately, we didn’t receive any injuries or holes in the plane.
Mission time - 04:30. Bomb load 12- 500’s. T.B.W.T.D.= 190,240#.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
FLAK!
FLAK
I use the word “flak” in my military write-ups. I should define this word. It is an acronym (fortunately) for the German combination of three words into one. Flieger(aircraft - literally “flyer”) + Abwehr (defense) + Kanone (gun), (cannon) =fliegerabwehrkanone. Flak is the bursting of timed-shells - black-balls of smoke. The shells are fired from the German 88mm multi-purpose guns. The “88” was a remarkable weapon. The Germans used it against flying aircraft. as well as an anti-tank gun.
The gun was radar controlled. It would track our formation and determine our course - or heading. It would also calculate our altitude. So that if the shell didn’t strike a plane, it would burst at our level, and spew shrapnel all over the sky! Invariably, a plane would be hit, one way or another. On some missions, the black bursts of flak were so thick that you felt you could walk on them. The radar would also have to determine where the plane would be, when the 88 shell arrived at altitude. In other words, the shell had to be fired ahead of the plane, so that the shell and the plane arrived at the same spot in the sky - at the same time. While I am trying to simplify the process, I feel that I am complicating it.
We ran into a lot of the 88 batteries, that were mounted on barges, anchored in the harbors. This strategy gave the Germans a lot of flexibility, because the guns could be easily moved. The “88” was used very effectively defending the Romanian oil fields at Ploesti. The guns were firing point- blank at the low-flying B-24’s. The casualties were very high - partly due to the pattern foul ups in the target area. But, this is a another story.
I use the word “flak” in my military write-ups. I should define this word. It is an acronym (fortunately) for the German combination of three words into one. Flieger(aircraft - literally “flyer”) + Abwehr (defense) + Kanone (gun), (cannon) =fliegerabwehrkanone. Flak is the bursting of timed-shells - black-balls of smoke. The shells are fired from the German 88mm multi-purpose guns. The “88” was a remarkable weapon. The Germans used it against flying aircraft. as well as an anti-tank gun.
The gun was radar controlled. It would track our formation and determine our course - or heading. It would also calculate our altitude. So that if the shell didn’t strike a plane, it would burst at our level, and spew shrapnel all over the sky! Invariably, a plane would be hit, one way or another. On some missions, the black bursts of flak were so thick that you felt you could walk on them. The radar would also have to determine where the plane would be, when the 88 shell arrived at altitude. In other words, the shell had to be fired ahead of the plane, so that the shell and the plane arrived at the same spot in the sky - at the same time. While I am trying to simplify the process, I feel that I am complicating it.
We ran into a lot of the 88 batteries, that were mounted on barges, anchored in the harbors. This strategy gave the Germans a lot of flexibility, because the guns could be easily moved. The “88” was used very effectively defending the Romanian oil fields at Ploesti. The guns were firing point- blank at the low-flying B-24’s. The casualties were very high - partly due to the pattern foul ups in the target area. But, this is a another story.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Raccoons and Possums
RACCOONS and POSSUMS
We have had uninvited houseguests - off and on - during the 21 years that we have lived here! They have torn up the back yard, turned over flower pots, and caused other damage. Previously, I have rented traps from Animal Control and trapped them - usually the smaller ones. Then, I called Animal Control and asked them to pick up the animals. They would release them back into the “wild” - which I suspect was not too far away. I would return the trap to Animal Control, until the next invasion.
You would think that this area would be a hostile environment for them. I realize that they lived here before our area was developed about 40 years ago. The raccoons are very smart - more so than a possum. They are very possessive of “their” territory, and probably feel that if we don’t like this co-habbing arrangement, then we should move on.
I can’t understand why they pick on us. We do not have a pet, so no food is available. They up-end the flower pots, apparently looking for bugs and worms. They even turn over pots holding “fake” flowers! This must be the little ones who are receiving “on the job training”. The adult raccoons are way too smart to do that. The raccoons and possums dig in the lawn , too, looking for grubs. It would take a lot of them for a meal!
The other night, I couldn’t sleep. So, I got up and started reading my Wall Street Journal. About midnight, I heard a familiar rumbling noise on the back patio. I turned off the inside light, and turned on the outside light. I parted the Venetian blind and peered out. I wasn’t surprised at what I saw. On the hot tub -deck, I could see a large animal, trailing a large furry tail, about it’s length, and two small balls of fur, walking around. The Large animal saw me through the blind, and stood up on her (I assume that it was the mother of the little ones) rear legs. It was definitely a raccoon - and a big one! She probably stood three feet high!
Then, the three of them came down from the deck on to the patio. She was controlling the movement of the little ones, but I don’t know how. It was probably instinctive in the species, to stick close to mama - for their own safety and protection. She started rolling around with one of the little ones. The babies were balls of fur, and couldn’t have been very old. Both ends looked the same - no face, no tail. When the mother got up, she walked slowly towards our sliding -patio door. She ended up with her nose almost touching the glass. She could see me standing inside. I have never seen a wild animal so close - except caged or trapped. I have to admit, her pretty -distinctive face was very appealing.
I kicked my slippered- toe against the inside of the glass door. The adult backed up a few feet and stopped - keeping her eyes and attention on me all the time. She was startled, but not scared. She repeated these movements two more times. By this time, she was back against the deck - about 20 feet away. The three of them stood there momentarily, and then wandered off to continue on their rounds, visiting other “lucky” neighbors. I think that being a nocturnal animals, the outside light bothered them.
The next morning, I was telling our yardman this story about the night before. The only reason I told him, is because I knew that he would be interested. A few years ago, he was here mowing, while I still had a trapped raccoon in the cage - sitting on the patio. Jeff asked me about it, and I told him that I was waiting forAnimal Control to pick up the animal. He said that he would take it and release it, and bring back my trap. When Jeff came back, I asked him where he let it out, and he said, “near Stanley’s property.” Stanley lived in the County, nearby at that time, and is a friend of the family.
Jeff said that the raccoon approached our door because it thought that I was going to give it something to eat. He said that people feed them!
A while back, Joy, a neighbor and I, were commiserating about raccoons. She told me that she had some expensive fish in her pond in the back yard, and the raccoons “fished” them all out - killing all of them! The other morning, during my walk, I ran into Pete a neighbor. He told me about losing all the fish out of his pond. He asked me if I had any ideas what it might have been. I had a flashback to my conversation with Joy, and told him that a raccoon got them. His response, “I’ll kill that raccoon”. Good luck, Pete.
Tonight, I will leave the outside light on, in hopes the raccoons get the message. “Good luck to me!”
We have had uninvited houseguests - off and on - during the 21 years that we have lived here! They have torn up the back yard, turned over flower pots, and caused other damage. Previously, I have rented traps from Animal Control and trapped them - usually the smaller ones. Then, I called Animal Control and asked them to pick up the animals. They would release them back into the “wild” - which I suspect was not too far away. I would return the trap to Animal Control, until the next invasion.
You would think that this area would be a hostile environment for them. I realize that they lived here before our area was developed about 40 years ago. The raccoons are very smart - more so than a possum. They are very possessive of “their” territory, and probably feel that if we don’t like this co-habbing arrangement, then we should move on.
I can’t understand why they pick on us. We do not have a pet, so no food is available. They up-end the flower pots, apparently looking for bugs and worms. They even turn over pots holding “fake” flowers! This must be the little ones who are receiving “on the job training”. The adult raccoons are way too smart to do that. The raccoons and possums dig in the lawn , too, looking for grubs. It would take a lot of them for a meal!
The other night, I couldn’t sleep. So, I got up and started reading my Wall Street Journal. About midnight, I heard a familiar rumbling noise on the back patio. I turned off the inside light, and turned on the outside light. I parted the Venetian blind and peered out. I wasn’t surprised at what I saw. On the hot tub -deck, I could see a large animal, trailing a large furry tail, about it’s length, and two small balls of fur, walking around. The Large animal saw me through the blind, and stood up on her (I assume that it was the mother of the little ones) rear legs. It was definitely a raccoon - and a big one! She probably stood three feet high!
Then, the three of them came down from the deck on to the patio. She was controlling the movement of the little ones, but I don’t know how. It was probably instinctive in the species, to stick close to mama - for their own safety and protection. She started rolling around with one of the little ones. The babies were balls of fur, and couldn’t have been very old. Both ends looked the same - no face, no tail. When the mother got up, she walked slowly towards our sliding -patio door. She ended up with her nose almost touching the glass. She could see me standing inside. I have never seen a wild animal so close - except caged or trapped. I have to admit, her pretty -distinctive face was very appealing.
I kicked my slippered- toe against the inside of the glass door. The adult backed up a few feet and stopped - keeping her eyes and attention on me all the time. She was startled, but not scared. She repeated these movements two more times. By this time, she was back against the deck - about 20 feet away. The three of them stood there momentarily, and then wandered off to continue on their rounds, visiting other “lucky” neighbors. I think that being a nocturnal animals, the outside light bothered them.
The next morning, I was telling our yardman this story about the night before. The only reason I told him, is because I knew that he would be interested. A few years ago, he was here mowing, while I still had a trapped raccoon in the cage - sitting on the patio. Jeff asked me about it, and I told him that I was waiting forAnimal Control to pick up the animal. He said that he would take it and release it, and bring back my trap. When Jeff came back, I asked him where he let it out, and he said, “near Stanley’s property.” Stanley lived in the County, nearby at that time, and is a friend of the family.
Jeff said that the raccoon approached our door because it thought that I was going to give it something to eat. He said that people feed them!
A while back, Joy, a neighbor and I, were commiserating about raccoons. She told me that she had some expensive fish in her pond in the back yard, and the raccoons “fished” them all out - killing all of them! The other morning, during my walk, I ran into Pete a neighbor. He told me about losing all the fish out of his pond. He asked me if I had any ideas what it might have been. I had a flashback to my conversation with Joy, and told him that a raccoon got them. His response, “I’ll kill that raccoon”. Good luck, Pete.
Tonight, I will leave the outside light on, in hopes the raccoons get the message. “Good luck to me!”
Monday, August 6, 2007
Mission #39 - Messina, Sicily. August 6. 1943.
Mission #39 - Messina, Sicily. August 6, 1943.
Our target today is a highway bridge. Our bomb load is twelve 500’s.
I flew with Capt. Kutschera in “Baby”, today. This is my first mission as our Squadron Bombardier (in the lead plane). It is more tricky and difficult for the bombardier (and pilot), when either of you fly with a different pilot, or bombardier.
The reason is that there is so much required coordination between the two of you, on the bomb run. The pilot has to trim the plane to fly practically “hands off” - maintain a constant altitude, and indicated air speed. The reason is that the bombardier has to account for these conditions when he “sets up” the Norden bombsight, prior to the actual bomb run. These data also affect the performance of the automatic pilot on the bomb run. So, no matter how skilled the bombardier is in setting up for the bombing, he needs a level platform with a constant air speed (which affects the ground speed.) It is very critical for the bombardier to communicate effectively with the pilot over the inter-com during this special time. The bombardier, in turn, has to keep the pilot informed of what he is doing - especially when the pilot should engage the “automatic pilot.” For, from now, on until it is disengaged, the auto-pilot is flying the airplane. The bombardier has to tell the pilot “bombs away” immediately, as the pilot has to disengage the auto pilot - after the bomb run and fly the plane manually. (The pilot knows this anyway, because there is a sudden lift of the plane, when the gross weight is suddenly reduced by 6,000 pounds!) This evasive action is very important in reacting to the flak and any fighters in the target area.
On to Mission #39: On the bomb run, we flew at 24,000 feet and 150 knots indicated air speed (IAS). Our bombing was good. The flak was moderate to heavy, and accurate. We received seven holes in the ship. I didn’t see any fighters.
I had a good view of our convoy going to Sicily. (We invaded that island on July 19, 1943.). I also had a good view of the Sicilian cities, Marsala and Palermo.
Mission Time 04:30. T.B.W.T.D. - 184,240#.
Our target today is a highway bridge. Our bomb load is twelve 500’s.
I flew with Capt. Kutschera in “Baby”, today. This is my first mission as our Squadron Bombardier (in the lead plane). It is more tricky and difficult for the bombardier (and pilot), when either of you fly with a different pilot, or bombardier.
The reason is that there is so much required coordination between the two of you, on the bomb run. The pilot has to trim the plane to fly practically “hands off” - maintain a constant altitude, and indicated air speed. The reason is that the bombardier has to account for these conditions when he “sets up” the Norden bombsight, prior to the actual bomb run. These data also affect the performance of the automatic pilot on the bomb run. So, no matter how skilled the bombardier is in setting up for the bombing, he needs a level platform with a constant air speed (which affects the ground speed.) It is very critical for the bombardier to communicate effectively with the pilot over the inter-com during this special time. The bombardier, in turn, has to keep the pilot informed of what he is doing - especially when the pilot should engage the “automatic pilot.” For, from now, on until it is disengaged, the auto-pilot is flying the airplane. The bombardier has to tell the pilot “bombs away” immediately, as the pilot has to disengage the auto pilot - after the bomb run and fly the plane manually. (The pilot knows this anyway, because there is a sudden lift of the plane, when the gross weight is suddenly reduced by 6,000 pounds!) This evasive action is very important in reacting to the flak and any fighters in the target area.
On to Mission #39: On the bomb run, we flew at 24,000 feet and 150 knots indicated air speed (IAS). Our bombing was good. The flak was moderate to heavy, and accurate. We received seven holes in the ship. I didn’t see any fighters.
I had a good view of our convoy going to Sicily. (We invaded that island on July 19, 1943.). I also had a good view of the Sicilian cities, Marsala and Palermo.
Mission Time 04:30. T.B.W.T.D. - 184,240#.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
NAPLES
NAPLES, ITALY. Wednesday, August 4, 1943.
Mission # 38.
A “ mercy” raid today, after a rest during which time Italy failed to throw in the towel. This is our first raid from our new base here at St. Cyprien, near Tunis. I flew with Capt. Kutschera in “Baby”, and led the Squadron.
This is the first time that I have set up course in seven weeks.
The weather was hazy and quite poor en- route - over the target - and returning. The flak was intense and accurate as expected. We flew at 24,000 feet and 150 knots- indicated air speed in two waves. The Colonel (our C.O.) led our wave, and our squadron. We were No.2 Squadron.
We lost Capt. Bill Mayer, Mac, Aldo, Paul and the rest of the crew of “Little Butch”. They received a direct hit in the middle of the wing, and went into a steep dive - on-fire! I watched them go down to about 10,000 feet, when the ship broke in half, and spun in smoking. I didn’t see any chutes “open”, but I am hoping that they made a delayed jump and got out O.K.
A 96th Squadron plane had an engine fire that spread to the wing, and I saw nine chutes open. The plane crashed into the Bay of Naples. A few miles off the coast of Italy, fighters hopped a plane that was “limping’ along behind the formation. Then, the fighters came up on us, and dropped aerial bombs above us.
We had an observer, (Col. Henderson), along with us, and he rode up in the nose with me. In talking to him I learned that he was the president and Director of the National Air Races that were held in Cleveland. He is with the 9th Air Force, and has been over here a year, and is slated to go home. This is his fourth mission, and he’s sweating out his fifth for his Air Medal. He said that he went to school with Gen. Jimmy Doolittle in Los Angeles. He said that he knows Ray Watts (the football coach at Baldwin Wallace in Berea, Art Baesel and Pop Cleveland.
Bomb load 12 - 500’s (6,000#) Total bomb weight, to date= 179,240 pounds. Mission time - 05:15.
Mission # 38.
A “ mercy” raid today, after a rest during which time Italy failed to throw in the towel. This is our first raid from our new base here at St. Cyprien, near Tunis. I flew with Capt. Kutschera in “Baby”, and led the Squadron.
This is the first time that I have set up course in seven weeks.
The weather was hazy and quite poor en- route - over the target - and returning. The flak was intense and accurate as expected. We flew at 24,000 feet and 150 knots- indicated air speed in two waves. The Colonel (our C.O.) led our wave, and our squadron. We were No.2 Squadron.
We lost Capt. Bill Mayer, Mac, Aldo, Paul and the rest of the crew of “Little Butch”. They received a direct hit in the middle of the wing, and went into a steep dive - on-fire! I watched them go down to about 10,000 feet, when the ship broke in half, and spun in smoking. I didn’t see any chutes “open”, but I am hoping that they made a delayed jump and got out O.K.
A 96th Squadron plane had an engine fire that spread to the wing, and I saw nine chutes open. The plane crashed into the Bay of Naples. A few miles off the coast of Italy, fighters hopped a plane that was “limping’ along behind the formation. Then, the fighters came up on us, and dropped aerial bombs above us.
We had an observer, (Col. Henderson), along with us, and he rode up in the nose with me. In talking to him I learned that he was the president and Director of the National Air Races that were held in Cleveland. He is with the 9th Air Force, and has been over here a year, and is slated to go home. This is his fourth mission, and he’s sweating out his fifth for his Air Medal. He said that he went to school with Gen. Jimmy Doolittle in Los Angeles. He said that he knows Ray Watts (the football coach at Baldwin Wallace in Berea, Art Baesel and Pop Cleveland.
Bomb load 12 - 500’s (6,000#) Total bomb weight, to date= 179,240 pounds. Mission time - 05:15.
Friday, August 3, 2007
NAPA
NAPA
Marie wanted to get out, and suggested that we go to Napa. I told her this was fine with me - even though I didn’t look forward to the Friday traffic en route and back. I just got in line - stayed in the right-hand lane and plodded along at 50/55. The passing cars weren’t going much faster. So, it wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. This rule so often holds true.
I took the Fairgrounds Drive/ American Canyon cut-off to get to Highway 29, and that worked fine. So much better since they added a lane. Went by a full- Marine world (Six Flags) parking lot, including many yellow-school busses. The City of Vallejo just sold the Park to Six Flags for 55 million! We passed the old Holiday Inn across from the Park. It is now a Marriott-Courtyard. It looks very inviting, and their parking lot was full.
It is interesting how Highway 29 splits the City of American Canyon, just as I-80 divides Vallejo. A Super Wal-Mart is scheduled to be built - not too far from Palby’s. We only went to one store in Napa - McCaulou’s, Napa’s finest department store. Marie headed for the Women’s’ Clothing department in general, and the “Petites” in particular. While she was browsing there, I checked out the Men’s’ Department. There was a rack of Docker’s knee-length shorts on sale at 30 percent off! So, I was interested. A young clerk appeared, and I asked him if he had a tape measure to check my waist size. He went and got one, and took my measurement. He said that I needed a 44. I thought that my size was 42! I asked him if he had any 44’s, and he said “No”! Hard to believe that there is no market for “pleasingly plump” people in Napa.
So, I went back to “Petites”. Marie was still “looking”. The store always has great music playing. Some old ballads were airing. I recalled each of them from my past. I told Marie that I could just stand there and listen to the music all day - (while I “people watched”.) A lady, nearby, overheard me and said, “They sell the CD at the cash register”. So, I thanked her, and went over to the check-out in the Shoe Department, and bought one - Rod Stewart - “Thanks for the Memory”.
Homeward bound we stopped at Raley’s - a very nice facility. I got a cup of clam chowder for lunch and Marie had a muffin. We also picked up a tuna sandwich for dinner tonight. On the way out of the store, she had to check out the flowers. She bought a pot of marigolds. Heavy traffic back to the - intersection of highways 12 and 29 - lots of trucks. I thought of Rick, Doug and Brad commuting in that mess every day - between Napa and Vallejo. At least coming down they miss a lot of it because they start work so early.
Home at 2:30. Gone three and a half hours, and traveled 34 miles!
Marie wanted to get out, and suggested that we go to Napa. I told her this was fine with me - even though I didn’t look forward to the Friday traffic en route and back. I just got in line - stayed in the right-hand lane and plodded along at 50/55. The passing cars weren’t going much faster. So, it wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated. This rule so often holds true.
I took the Fairgrounds Drive/ American Canyon cut-off to get to Highway 29, and that worked fine. So much better since they added a lane. Went by a full- Marine world (Six Flags) parking lot, including many yellow-school busses. The City of Vallejo just sold the Park to Six Flags for 55 million! We passed the old Holiday Inn across from the Park. It is now a Marriott-Courtyard. It looks very inviting, and their parking lot was full.
It is interesting how Highway 29 splits the City of American Canyon, just as I-80 divides Vallejo. A Super Wal-Mart is scheduled to be built - not too far from Palby’s. We only went to one store in Napa - McCaulou’s, Napa’s finest department store. Marie headed for the Women’s’ Clothing department in general, and the “Petites” in particular. While she was browsing there, I checked out the Men’s’ Department. There was a rack of Docker’s knee-length shorts on sale at 30 percent off! So, I was interested. A young clerk appeared, and I asked him if he had a tape measure to check my waist size. He went and got one, and took my measurement. He said that I needed a 44. I thought that my size was 42! I asked him if he had any 44’s, and he said “No”! Hard to believe that there is no market for “pleasingly plump” people in Napa.
So, I went back to “Petites”. Marie was still “looking”. The store always has great music playing. Some old ballads were airing. I recalled each of them from my past. I told Marie that I could just stand there and listen to the music all day - (while I “people watched”.) A lady, nearby, overheard me and said, “They sell the CD at the cash register”. So, I thanked her, and went over to the check-out in the Shoe Department, and bought one - Rod Stewart - “Thanks for the Memory”.
Homeward bound we stopped at Raley’s - a very nice facility. I got a cup of clam chowder for lunch and Marie had a muffin. We also picked up a tuna sandwich for dinner tonight. On the way out of the store, she had to check out the flowers. She bought a pot of marigolds. Heavy traffic back to the - intersection of highways 12 and 29 - lots of trucks. I thought of Rick, Doug and Brad commuting in that mess every day - between Napa and Vallejo. At least coming down they miss a lot of it because they start work so early.
Home at 2:30. Gone three and a half hours, and traveled 34 miles!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Bathing
BATHING..
While showering this morning, I had an inexplicable flash back to when I was growing up in Hillsdale, Michigan. I reflected on that tine in the 1920’s when we took a bath just once a week - on Saturday night. We had just one bathroom for the six of us, but I didn’t mind because I didn’t know any better. This routine worked better in the winter than in summer - as you would surmise. I never talked to my Mother about it, but I would guess that the custom came about because of all the labor- intensive work that was involved. Our water heater in the basement was coal-fired. My Dad would take light some kindling and newspaper to get the chunks of coal burning. So, the bath took some pre-planning in order to have some warm water. Too, we wore the same clothes all week. My Mom would wash these dirty clothes on Monday. I never knew what a shower was until I went in the Service!
Washing was an all-day operation. The water would have to be heated, and manually hosed into the washing machine. After the washing, she would put them through a wringer, attached to the washer, into another tub with the rinse water (Note: This is where the old expression “Don’t get your breasts caught in the wringer” came from!). Then, Mom would swing the “ringer” around 90 degrees, and wring the rinse water out, and the clothes would go into a laundry basket. The basket would be carried outside in the summer, and the clothes pinned on the clothesline to dry. In the winter, the clothes were hung on overhead -rope lines in the basement. At the end of the day the clothes were taken down from the line and put in a basket for ironing on Tuesday.
Back to my shower - after an 80 year time warp! I wipe the shower tiles afterwards - first with a sponge, while I am still in the tub, and then with the bath towel after I have dried myself. I spend as much time on this operation as I do showering! Still, mildew collects on the tile grout!
In September, 1999 Maggie and Steve invited us over to Maui to share Mollie’s and Ken’s beautiful home in Hana - “Kulapono” (Hawaiian for “Fine Gold”), with them for a few days. It was certainly nice of the Feingold’s to let us use their home, and we really appreciated it. We had a wonderful visit in Hana - but that is another blog.
Maggie and Steve were living in Montecito at the time. They spent a couple of days at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach before heading to Maui. We went over to Hawaii, a few days early, and visited our long-time friends, Barbara and Don, in Hilo. We met Maggie and Steve, afterwards, at the house in Hana.
I mention this because Mollie had a sign in our bathroom, “Please wipe down the tile after showering”. I felt right at home!
I never thought that a “shower” could end up as a Blog!
While showering this morning, I had an inexplicable flash back to when I was growing up in Hillsdale, Michigan. I reflected on that tine in the 1920’s when we took a bath just once a week - on Saturday night. We had just one bathroom for the six of us, but I didn’t mind because I didn’t know any better. This routine worked better in the winter than in summer - as you would surmise. I never talked to my Mother about it, but I would guess that the custom came about because of all the labor- intensive work that was involved. Our water heater in the basement was coal-fired. My Dad would take light some kindling and newspaper to get the chunks of coal burning. So, the bath took some pre-planning in order to have some warm water. Too, we wore the same clothes all week. My Mom would wash these dirty clothes on Monday. I never knew what a shower was until I went in the Service!
Washing was an all-day operation. The water would have to be heated, and manually hosed into the washing machine. After the washing, she would put them through a wringer, attached to the washer, into another tub with the rinse water (Note: This is where the old expression “Don’t get your breasts caught in the wringer” came from!). Then, Mom would swing the “ringer” around 90 degrees, and wring the rinse water out, and the clothes would go into a laundry basket. The basket would be carried outside in the summer, and the clothes pinned on the clothesline to dry. In the winter, the clothes were hung on overhead -rope lines in the basement. At the end of the day the clothes were taken down from the line and put in a basket for ironing on Tuesday.
Back to my shower - after an 80 year time warp! I wipe the shower tiles afterwards - first with a sponge, while I am still in the tub, and then with the bath towel after I have dried myself. I spend as much time on this operation as I do showering! Still, mildew collects on the tile grout!
In September, 1999 Maggie and Steve invited us over to Maui to share Mollie’s and Ken’s beautiful home in Hana - “Kulapono” (Hawaiian for “Fine Gold”), with them for a few days. It was certainly nice of the Feingold’s to let us use their home, and we really appreciated it. We had a wonderful visit in Hana - but that is another blog.
Maggie and Steve were living in Montecito at the time. They spent a couple of days at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach before heading to Maui. We went over to Hawaii, a few days early, and visited our long-time friends, Barbara and Don, in Hilo. We met Maggie and Steve, afterwards, at the house in Hana.
I mention this because Mollie had a sign in our bathroom, “Please wipe down the tile after showering”. I felt right at home!
I never thought that a “shower” could end up as a Blog!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Mission #37 - Friday, July 30, 1943.
GROTTAGLIE AIRDROME, ITALY - Friday, July 30, 1943.
Mission #37.
Briefing at 0645 this morning, and then on to Italy. This is my longest mission to date - in the Italian heel - on the Golfo Di Taranto. Fair weather on the way out and back. We hit the airdrome, and did a fine job, with twelve 500’s - 6,000#.
(Total bomb weight to-date = 172,240 pounds.)
We flew very close to Taranto, and I could see part of the Italian fleet. I didn’t see any enemy fighters or flak! On our return to North Africa, some planes ran low on gas, and stooped at Mateur for refueling. We came all the way in. Mission time ;- 0825.
Mission #37.
Briefing at 0645 this morning, and then on to Italy. This is my longest mission to date - in the Italian heel - on the Golfo Di Taranto. Fair weather on the way out and back. We hit the airdrome, and did a fine job, with twelve 500’s - 6,000#.
(Total bomb weight to-date = 172,240 pounds.)
We flew very close to Taranto, and I could see part of the Italian fleet. I didn’t see any enemy fighters or flak! On our return to North Africa, some planes ran low on gas, and stooped at Mateur for refueling. We came all the way in. Mission time ;- 0825.
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