Mike and I went to the MS Society volunteer appreciation night on Thursday. I went a couple years ago as well. A couple of friends from work who also have volunteered for different MS events also attended. We had a great meal of roast chicken and various salads, followed by some really great cake. I was totally shocked with what happened next. They mentioned the volunteer of the year award. The MC mentioned how this person has raised over $15,000 over the last few years through the Walks for MS, attends all three walks each year (Kinda wondering how they did that since they are all over Niagara and start at the same time), they volunteer for the golf tournament, then she mentioned “she recently won the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal.” Ok, now I’m starting to get just a tad freaked out. I fly over all three walks every year plus do a little air show for the golf tourney. I couldn’t believe it when she mentioned my name. I had no clue at all that I was receiving the award. As I walked up to the stage, still in shock, I turned to the crowd and said “If I knew I was getting this, I would have dressed a little nicer!”
I gave a quick off the cuff speech and returned to the table. My friends were so awesome and happy for me.
What a nice evening!
Saturday was another great day. I flew Mike and I to Lindsay (North East of Toronto) for a fly-in AND to buy their amazing butter tarts. Just after we took off, we got a request from one of the folks in the control tower to kindly bring her a butter tart. Clearly this airport is known for this awesome treat. We also planned on bringing some back for friends and family. Sure hope they’d have enough.
It was a nice flight there. We passed a few planes on the way, including a few taking off from Toronto Island:
We were told by the tower to climb from 2000 to 2500 feet in order to allow another plane to pass below us:
Soon after, he said we could go back down to 2000 feet, then passed us off to the Buttonville tower. She then told us to climb to 2500 feet. Roller coaster! Mind you, since Mike likes to do funky maneuvers (including aerobatics), I made the climb and descent quite enjoyable!
Within an hour, we were almost at Lindsay Airport. We followed another plane in until we got to the circuit:
Then we arrived:
The guy taking off in the shot made me a little nervous. I called I was on final, then he said he was going to take position on the runway to take off. Hello! I was pretty sure I was going to have to do a go-around. He took off in time though.
We parked Vyctor in line with the other cute planes:
Our mission – acquire the buttertarts! On the way to the restaurant, we passed the Harvard that had flights for sale:
And a Tiger Moth:
We registered, then I ran back to Vyctor to put this lovely sign on his propeller:
In the restaurant, I asked if there was a limit to how many butter tarts we could buy. She said no. I asked for two dozen. She loaded up the containers and there were only two left in the display case. Mike and I thought they looked kinda sad in there so we bought them too. Yum!!!
We sat and ate ours. Donkay had some too:
I must admit, they are the best butter tarts I’ve ever had. The woman in the restaurant said people fly in from all over (even Pennsylvania) to get their tarts.
After eating, we walked around and looked at some of the classic cars on display:
We met up with a member from our Recreational Aircraft Association group. He was there with a brother, who built a couple airplanes.
After touring around, we headed back to Vyctor to leave:
Taxiing out:
Heading back through Toronto, Mike shrieked with glee as we flew over our favourite store:
It was pretty cool to see the Edge Walkers up on the CN Tower:
I did the Edge Walk last year:
It was fun, just wish I had got a rush.
Anyway, it was a nice flight back to St. Catharines:
Perfect day!
Today was a bit of a different story. I’ve been dealing with a sinus infection for a few weeks now. My GP gave me meds for it on Friday. It was more than tolerable (pain-wise) on Saturday. However, I’m not sure if it was the change of pressure or what, but the pain was horrific today. I was supposed to go to Mike’s place for a Father’s Day lunch, but I wasn’t able to go. I’ve been vegging all day, with the curtains closed and the volume on the TV low. I’m sure it will be at least a bit better tomorrow though.
Today’s symptoms: My fatigue level wasn’t the greatest and I had quite a few MS aches and pains in my forearms. The sinus headache was severe – really hoping I can sleep tonight.
Lizzy McFly 