Tepee Time Gal

My dad flew B-24's in WWII. He flew in the European theater flying in the 15th Air Force, 455th BG Heavy, 743rd Squadron. I have a picture of dad's crew in front of "Tepee Time Gal" (I need to upload it). Dad's crew flew their first combat mission together in Dec, 1944. Note: They all few a few mission on other crews to gain experience before going out on their own.

The best explanation I can come up with is THIS plane (shown in the picture below) was used on their first mission together as a crew. Tepee Time Gal was also a famous plane in the squadron because of the number of missions this plane completed during the war.

I found this picture on the Internet. I was probably taken near the end of the war. The picture I have of dad shows about 40 less missions (Dec 44) than pictured here. The picture above shows "Tepee Time Gal" completing 120 missions! In the picture with Dad's crew, the number of missions lines up with a Dec 44 timeline which would be consistent with it being their first mission together.

Great Alaska Adventure

On July 25th through August 1st, our family took a quick trip to Alaska. A few months prior we decided to surprise the kids and take them on a cruise (they are growing up fast). Our kids were unaware of the plan until we pulled up to the dock in Seattle. Madison couldn't believe and thought we were teasing her, Reagan was screaming for joy and Kennedy just thought she had been given a death sentence. Kennedy believed we were going to "capsize from a rouge wave" (Can you say Poseidon Adventure??).

Our trip started in Seattle (day 1) and we spent a day at sea (day 2) arriving in Jeanau (day 3) a day later. Next was Glacier Bay National Park (day 4), Sitka (day 5), Ketchican (day 6) and Victoria BC (day 7). Overall it was a great time with a few memories to last a lifetime.

The Amsterdam leaving Seattle on a nice day!

Our table for the week with a great view out the back of the ship!

Day 1 at sea. Kennedy spent the whole day in the pool and was the only one NOT sick! I think she thought it was natural that the waves in the pool were 3 feet!

Boise LIVE!

On August 28-30 marked our 2nd annual "Boise Live Draft" for the Inlaw & Outlaw Fantasy Football League. This year our fantasy draft was held at the Red Lion in Boise, Idaho. Boise seems to be a nice meeting place for the Washington and Utah Managers. This year, Brady (Texas), Jeff (Colorado) and Brett (Ohio) each made a special effort to make the trip to Boise. Only Mark (Family) and Marty (BYU football game ?????? $^#%&#^# Northern Iowa???) did not make the trip. We excused Ric who left on a humanitarian trip to Guatemala. Its tough to blame Ric for missing out, besides he doesn't manage a team anyway. I think Ric's boys only invite him for his credit card!!! :>)

Weekend activities included dinner (Goodwood and Fudruckers), a movie, the flag football game, wiffle ball, THE DRAFT. a game of Risk and a good time catching up on things.

Top: Ben, Jim, Jared, Trevor, Eric Brett, Mike Tom, Me (Rod)

Bottom: Brady, Jon, Matt, Jeff, Mike, Ryan

What a crew......

One of the theme's was 70's throwback. Jared's stash won hands down with Ben a close second.....


My brother Mike (the old man with the grey hair in back) traditionally buys lunch for the draft. This year it was a "Prime Rib Sandwich". Thanks Mike....... Eric ate his in 3 bites. Mike also announces the first round selections and then heckles.......


Complete concentration in the draft room! (Is Matt catching a peak at Jim and Ben's draft Q???)

Holding the "Secret" Vulgar Vulture Draft Book!

After three fantasy football drafts in six days, I think I'm burned out. I haven't even completed the first week of the season!!! This can only mean I will come home from church, check the scores and be grumpy the rest of the day because I didn't start the right guys!!! AAAAAGGGHHHHH, why do I play!