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CanoeStream · 02-08-2008, 07:10 PM

Today Michelle and I met for lunch at a classic long-time Italian market & deli on the west edge of downtown St. Paul, MN. Dealing with costly parking meters we escaped right after a nice visit and tried to recapture part of my unknown past.

My father took this photograph around Labor Day 1945. His 390th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force flight crew had just flown their B-17 from England via Reykjavik, Iceland, to Gander, Newfoundland, and into retirement at Sioux Falls, SD. Afterward they had some relaxation time around the Twin Cities. He took this photo of downtown St. Paul's Holman Field right on the Mississippi River flood plain. Those are B-24s headed into retirement on the left and I see a DC-3 on the right:

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I've longed to reproduce the photograph as it currently stands. I'd done my research so we ventured afield after lunch and found the historic Mounds Park on Dayton's Bluff just east of the Mississippi River, just below downtown St. Paul. This next photo is from near the same vantage point as my dad's picture but his location is now overgrown. We moved a little to the right and that is the image below. Two stops of correction weren't enough for my secondary old compact digital camera to correct for the snow and sun in our faces.

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I'll go back! I appreciate Michelle for tolerating my adventurism. Did you say that the quonset huts are now part of 3M's corporate aviation division? You can send me any pics you took...

Michelle? You are still an hour and a half from takeoff time. Hopefully you will get some wireless in the airport and tell us how wonderful Mall of America was. [can't find the :cough-gag: smily! Where'd it go?!?!]

safari57 · 02-08-2008, 07:45 PM

Bob,

What a wonderful thing to be able to track your father's history like you have.

I'm envious. I'm sure it brings him closer to your heart.

Barry

CanoeStream · 02-08-2008, 08:06 PM

Thanks Barry. Little did I know but airplane-oriented Michelle had already stopped at Holman Field to drive around and snap some pics before we actually met for lunch. It didn't take much to pull her along on my diversion.

Foiled Again · 02-08-2008, 09:38 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but at least it isn't terminal. I'm betting you'll find a way to beat this one too. After all, we have to go to a BIG Camping World together sometime.

My sister has a dear friend who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 2 years ago. She was told to "learn to live with it" - which meant barely being able to get off the couch to get to the front door.... but luckily she fooled all of the doctors. She found a wellness coach who suggested sensibly that she start with dietary changes and nutritional suppliments. I just called my sister to double check what she took.... The main product is a liquid callex "XanGo" which is made from a fruit called mangosteen. Check XanGo® Juice: The Power of Xanthones from the Whole Mangosteen Fruit

Margo still has some residual symptoms, but last time I was in Ohio she was back to being able to work full time, and could still have enough energy to go out for groceries, etc.

I'm not sure this product is magic, but definitely nutritional products seem to help. Good luck and I'll be wishing you the best.

Paula
Rivettes Rule!

thecatsandi · 02-09-2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ahab

Went through the same parade of tests several years ago for the same symptoms. Results were I had diabetes type II.

Here's hoping for a simple fix for you.

I have been tested. No diabetes. no nothing. No known cause at this point.
Soory for your diagnosis.

thecatsandi · 02-09-2008, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doorgunner

Michelle;
Your flying days areNOTover, UNLESS you have been denied a medical.

My medical has been suspended, not denied yet. The FAA NW region did this because i surendered it in a timely fashion. They are being human about the whole thing.
The new Sport Pilot rating will keep you in the air.
Maybe, maybe not. I have been looking at ultra lights and sail planes. I want to build a breezy. not sure of the weight though. I suspect it is over 450-700 lbs. I cannot remember where the cut off is. Mine is currently 12,500..

Quote:

Originally Posted by doorgunner

Best Wishes- Fly tailwheels-

Thank You

thecatsandi · 02-09-2008, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck

sounds like it might be workable. Call aopa if you haven't already; they have alot of help for just such situations.

I have already talked with AOPA. They were not much help once I told them what I was taking. I am actually getting a lot of help from the FAA NW region. They have a person there who cares. I am greatful for that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck

M, If its as 2air says, and its "just the meds", then I'm sure you can work it out. I can tell you, I know what its like when "its not the meds", and it sucks.

It may be just the med is the problem. Other medications are possible. Some of the anti-depressants work for pain as well. I am not sure I can get those approved.

thecatsandi · 02-09-2008, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but at least it isn't terminal. I'm betting you'll find a way to beat this one too. After all, we have to go to a BIG Camping World together sometime.

My sister has a dear friend who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 2 years ago. She was told to "learn to live with it" - which meant barely being able to get off the couch to get to the front door.... but luckily she fooled all of the doctors. She found a wellness coach who suggested sensibly that she start with dietary changes and nutritional suppliments.

Paula,
My neurologist has made some suggestions. Diet is one that I have already changed., exercise, and some practial stuff like making sure my body is well moisturized inside and out. I have seen a dietician, a acupuncturist, chiropractor and a theraputic massagist? All have helped some. Ther is not magic bullet. It is just going to take some time to find out what works for me.

thecatsandi · 02-09-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Today Michelle and I met for lunch at a classic long-time Italian market & deli on the west edge of downtown St. Paul, MN.

I'll go back! I appreciate Michelle for tolerating my adventurism. Did you say that the quonset huts are now part of 3M's corporate aviation division? You can send me any pics you took...

The hangars had the 3M logo on the side.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Michelle? You are still an hour and a half from takeoff time. Hopefully you will get some wireless in the airport and tell us how wonderful Mall of America was. [can't find the :cough-gag: smily! Where'd it go?!?!]

I did not even pull out my laptop. I was too busy talking on the phone with family and friends. for about two hours. I did go to the Mall of America. It is huge! I picked up some cheap DVDs for my recovery time next week.I also inquired about a phone and air card upgrade. I passed on both.

thecatsandi · 02-09-2008, 01:46 AM

I am home safe and sound right now. Headed off to bed. Our plane was late arriving and I was still wound up. Not anymore. Good night.

CanoeStream · 02-09-2008, 06:30 AM

Well good! Pick up a can of

tuna on the way to pick up Sarah today.

Sugarfoot · 02-09-2008, 07:22 PM

Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Hopefully things will work out for you to remain airborne. It's tough not knowing the cause. I know you are strong and surely can fight this.

thecatsandi · 02-09-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Well good! Pick up a can of

tuna on the way to pick up Sarah today.

Bob,
I went to pick up her up this morning. when I got there she was lying in a basket and she tilted her head backwards and just looked at like "well hi".
She got a whole can of tuna when we got home.

rmpray · 02-09-2008, 08:36 PM

It is a given that we are all out here pulling for you. I was just one of those poor saps on the ground pusing the planes up, but know enough to know you are so far up the list of pilots we selfishly know what grounding you does to us...I sure hope they keep you in the air. I know how it is to have to change your career path because of a medical issue...We all want to see ya in the air!

rob n terry

jkcru · 02-10-2008, 07:35 AM

Michelle: Hang in there and jump the hoops. Having had 33 years experence dealing with the FAA, you will find they are much better than in the past decades. Keep the blue side up.

SharonIvey · 03-18-2008, 07:44 PM

Michelle - Glad to hear you are keeping a positive attitude and trying other modes of therapy. Best Wishes to you!

Sharon

thecatsandi · 03-18-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkcru

Michelle: Hang in there and jump the hoops. Having had 33 years experence dealing with the FAA, you will find they are much better than in the past decades. Keep the blue side up.

Funny this should pop up now.
I got the official written word from the FAA yesterday. No go. I will no longer have a medical as long as I take any medication (that works) for my condition. I could continue to fight it but it is a sign that it is time to move on. I attended the Women in Aviation conference last week and got some good ideas. I am headed back to Missoula. I am going to look for jobs locally, all outside aviation and aerospace.

2airishuman · 03-18-2008, 08:53 PM

well that STINKS michelle...

as one door closes many others may open.

missoula is a great area, hows the job market?

last time i checked there were lots of young'ins in low wage service industry jobs, so they could ski or bike or hike...

and a growing segment of 'relocated retirees'

you've got skills so that's a big bonus, but what's hot in missoula?

cheers
2air'

C Johnson · 03-19-2008, 02:28 AM

Hi Michelle, Sorry about the bad news. Really made me think about important our health is to our professions. I have to have a Federal DOT physical every 2 years. If I don't pass thats it, go find another job. I can't imagine having to do someting else since I really like what I do. I did enjoy your company at my rally on the Or coast.

I hope to rally again with ya soon ! It was good to meet you !

wheel interested · 03-19-2008, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

Funny this should pop up now.
I got the official written word from the FAA yesterday. No go. I will no longer have a medical as long as I take any medication (that works) for my condition. I could continue to fight it but it is a sign that it is time to move on. I attended the Women in Aviation conference last week and got some good ideas. I am headed back to Missoula. I am going to look for jobs locally, all outside aviation and aerospace.

Michelle so sorry to hear you got a negative from the FAA. I know you will explore and embrace your other varied interests and skills though. Please keep us posted. Perhaps you will find an alternative to those meds in the future. You've been through so much poking and proding and medical visiits you deserve some time off of that and some fun. Glad you made the western womans rally. Looks like you all did have a great time.

Your signature really snaps bad days into perspective and shakes me from taking so much for granted. Hoping for inroads towards sickness and pain, especially for the children.