I was thinking that I was way too old for this one but then I knew that my sons and daughter would ask if I rode the it. Kinda Ka at Six Flags in Jackson, NJ now boasts having the highest and fastest roller coaster in North America. Last week we rode it and it certainly gets my vote. As I sat there wondering what this would be like, I felt us start to move. then it happened. We were launched. The ride information states 0 to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds. I agree. Then it was straight up over 45 stories and over the top. Then of course straight down 45 stories. The web site states that the ride is 59 seconds. really seems more like 30-40.
The first time was with a friend we were with at the park and the second time (Don’t ask why) was with Billie, my wife…..you know mother of my children and grandmother to our three granddaughters.
I was thinking afterwards that I should get a card or a tattoo for the world to see to let them know I have ridden the Kingda Ka. but if they gave me one they would have to give one to all the 10 and 12 year olds on the ride with me and to Billie.

Several years ago good friends gave Billie and I their cottage to stay in and rest. When I say cottage that is not doing justice to La Casita. Al and Marta have been friends for several years and whenever our family could get south of Tampa to Venice, FL we had a place to hide out and rest.

Continue reading Needing More Than Rest →

Yesterday was a pretty remarkable day. Billie (my wife of over 30 years) and I took our brother-in-law on a local tour. First let me tell you that my brother-in-law, George is one of my hero’s. His wife, Billie’s sister Ann was George’s wife. She went to be with our Lord last year after battling cancer and several other ailments. She had undergone a liver transplant, partial lung removal and years of treatments. In all those years George was as solid as you could ever ask a man to be. He loved Ann and he never wavered. He did all that and still served our nation in the US Army. His tours included Korea, Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan. So to say it was an honor for us to have some time together is a pretty great understatement.

Continue reading Seeing Things Close to Home →