Wow!! Is it really spring?

I can't believe it's been over 3 months since my last post. It seems like when I have time to post, there's nothing going on. But once we start flying, I don't have time to post.

We have gotten a couple flights in since my last post. Our last flight started out perfect; however, about half way through the flight, the winds shift. This left our mightly pilot going into a direction that he didn't really want to go into. But being the awesome pilot he is. He had a great, yet tense, landing. He came in over Hulen Lake in Columbia and landed in a very tight back yard.

Here's a picture of his landing spot. We had a large tree on one side, and a tree and power line on the other side. He has become such a great pilot, and I am so proud of him!

Memorial Day weekend we are off to Decatur, Alabama for the Alabama Jubilee. This will be our first festival with Mai'Ken Dreams! We couldn't be more excited! Stay tuned, I will hopefully have pictures posted soon after our return.

Soft Landings
Kenny and Marianne

The blizzard of 2011

Welcome to the great blizzard of 2011

The snow at the basement door drifted so tall it was about to my knee. Almost two feet.

I don't think I could get the car out of the garage if I wanted to!

The drifts in the back yard are up to the porch.

The Explorer looks pretty stuck.



And I told Kenny I didn't think he was going to get his truck moved. He said 'It will be okay, it's a Dodge!'

Drifts up to the bottom of the front door.

The drifts at the basement door are half way up to the door handle.

Drifts up the shrubs, half way up the house!

And about that Dodge...STUCK. Looks like he got a little close to the Explorer.

I guess I will be staying inside again today! In the almost 10 years I have worked for MBS, they have closed down one day due to snow, until now. We were closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to the weather. I am kind of ready to go back to work!

Marianne

Stacie's first hot air balloon ride, Jan 29, 2011

Kenny took our good friend Stacie for her first hot air balloon ride this past Saturday. We had a beautiful, sunny day and thought the conditions would be perfect. She has been the best crew since the day we met her, with her only missing a few flights. She's always the first one ready to go...and..I think she may be a better crew than me!

Here are Stacie and Kenny, ready to go...by the way, what's up with that tongue, Mr Pilot!


There they are, soaring above Columbia!

Beautiful scenery from the sky!

This is a park, but we are still trying to figure out which park it is!

Beautiful snow covered bridge.

We are hoping to fly again soon. Wanted to this weekend, but not sure with the Blizzard we are currently getting.

We, along with a couple other balloon pilots, have started a balloon club. Here's the link if you want to check it out:

www.showmeballoonclub.weebly.com

Soft Landings!

Kenny and Marianne

Marianne's first ride with Kenny!!

We woke up to a cold 12 degrees at our house this morning, but we thought 'what the heck, it's a beautiful morning'. I finally got to take a ride in Mai'Ken Dreams, with my husband as pilot in command! It was a beautiful flight; however, it was freezing cold.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

The Jay's are hoping everyone had a very Merry Christmas and safe travels.

Kenny and Marianne Jay

Private License Check Off Ride

On Sunday, December 19th we woke up to a very cold 14 degrees in Indianolia, IA. From Indianolia, we headed to Carlisle, IA so Kenny could take his check off ride for his Lighter Than Air (Hot Air Balloon) Private License.

Here are Kenny and Rob taking off for the skies. Guess we did well so far!


There they go, despite the cold, it was a beautiful day for a hot air balloon ride.

I think he skidded a little upon landing, good thing it was Rob's field and he was with him!!

Our friends Stacie Brackenberry and Adam McGee joined us as crew for the all very important flight. Not only are they great crew, they are great fun!! (ps..don't you love Stacie's hat?)

Kenny and I were so happy, we couldn't stop smiling...because...

HE PASSED!!! My husband is now an official Lighter Than Air Pilot!!!!

Congrats, Kenny, everyone is so proud of you!!

Now, about that ride you have been promising me since May....

Soft Landings,

Kenny and Marianne Jay

THE PUMPKIN DROP AND SOME GOOD NEWS

We had a great time last night at the Sutters' annual Pumpkin Drop, even though no pumpkins made it into the lagoon. What we did have; however, was a beautiful night for a hot air balloon flight, good food and good fellowship.

Our friend Stacie came out to crew and drug along her friend Jason, he was a hot air balloon virgin. He had a great time and wants to come back.

We inflated next to our good friend Lynn with Skydreamer. Two great inflations.

Our friend Jason was also there with Cheaper than a Wife.

Such a beautiful flight seeing Skydreamer and Mai'Ken Dreams flying together.

In other news, Kenny passed the written portion of his test to get his Private Pilot's license. We are very excited to have that next step done to get that much closer to me getting to ride with him!

The next step is a trip to Iowa so he can take his check off ride. Hopefully that will come in the next month or so. Then it will be time to start cashing in on all those promises for hot air balloon rides.

Flying season is never over; however, it sure slows down a lot, and that time is here. We will fly as much as we can this winter, but it probably won't be much.

Until next time,

Soft Landings

Marianne and Kenny