Hot as Hades here, but I am doing OK.
We had a lovely surprise last evening. Three colorful hot air balloons went over our house. I could hear the whoosh and looked up and there in the clearing of my woods (which was made so by the wind storm that broke and brought down many trees a month or so ago), I saw this beautiful sight,
We had a lovely surprise last evening. Three colorful hot air balloons went over our house. I could hear the whoosh and looked up and there in the clearing of my woods (which was made so by the wind storm that broke and brought down many trees a month or so ago), I saw this beautiful sight,
I wouldn’t have seen it through the 60’ to 100’ trees before and so as sad as I was to see and pay for all that destruction, the thrill of having a view of the balloons made up for it. Well somewhat. Two more came and I thought there was a chance that one would land on the fields across from me. It wasn’t to be and off they went to possibly the golf course about three or four miles away.
Many years ago, My Pre-Retired Man and I took a sunset balloon ride. We hopped into the basket and up, up, up we went and then stopped still. We waited and looked out at our friends and family directly below who kept waving and cheering us on for 25 minutes. There wasn’t a breeze in the air. Our ride was scheduled for half an hour and we were running out of time and hope. The pilot, or Aeronaut, as they are called, started the descent to the ground to the exact spot we had taken off and we thought all hope was lost for having our adventure. Half way down, a whiff of air came and we moved a few hundred yards. Then a larger one came and off we went for about a mile or two. We glided thru the air and it was glorious for a few minutes. Our allotted time was up and a landing was spotted at a school playground. Unfortunately, the driver miscalculated a little and we tore thru some tall trees before making a landing. No harm done, we just ducked. Getting out of the basket was not as graceful as getting in and I am glad those photos can no longer be found. Our entourage had followed us in their cars and after I got up off the grass, we all celebrated with some cheap Champagne in paper cups. I often use this story as a metaphor for my life. I have been given some nice opportunities, but I have never really gotten far, and that’s OK. The ride has been bumpy at times and will never be long enough. The highs have taken me to wonderful places and given me precious memories. Ducking has saved me numerous times. When the landing comes, though, I hope for some better Champagne, served in a lovely crystal flute. I am not going out without a party.
Hi, Arleen!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see a post from you, dear friend! Are you getting the hang of the new Blogger interface? We have until August 24 to keep using Legacy. On that date the Blogger gremlins will apparently pull the plug and we will need to sink or swim with the new design.
It looks like the derecho that tore through a couple of months ago had a silver lining. It cleared away branches giving you an opportunity to watch those hot air balloons as they soared over your house. We live about a mile and a quarter from an airport. Once a year a hot air balloon festival is held there. As in your case, the balloons sail directly over our house. Mrs. Shady and I can always hear that familiar whooshing sound alerting us that the spheres are getting close. We run outside and wave to the occupants as they go over.
That sunset balloon ride you took must have been an exciting and romantic experience, even though it was shorter than expected and included a rather rough landing and an awkward exit from the craft. Thanks for sharing the metaphor. It was nicely thought out and I think we can all relate.
I hope you are well and in good spirits, dear friend Arleen. Take care and enjoy the rest of your week!
I am having problems with the new improved(?) blogger. I will get thru it and will figure it out somehow. I am just wondering what the improvements are.
DeleteI always think of it as a gift for my day when I see the balloons overhead. Who wouldn’t feel good seeing something so beautiful and fun. It has not been a good summer weather wise, so I have not seen many this year.
Huge smiles - and I love your metaphor too.
ReplyDeleteI have also loved riding in balloons - though neither my entry nor my exits have been even remotely graceful.
Thank you, Sue. I remember you writing about the fabulous hot air ballon festivals where you live. On summer evenings, if we are lucky, we get to see one ballon every so often. This was three so it was triple the pleasure.
DeleteLoved reading your post. I would love to fly! I am the adventurous one in my family. Everyone else is perfectly happy keeping both feet planted firmly on the ground. I is so good to be back and reading your posts. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYears ago, I read a little book about the 100 things you should do at least once in your lifetime. Riding in a hot air balloon was one of them. It didn’t say for how long a ride so I guess mine qualified.
DeleteIf you ever get the opportunity, Bonnie, you should do it..
Balloons in the sky are enough to take my breath!
ReplyDeleteWhen our gr-daughter was about 4, she pointed to balloon in the sky, "Look! God is having a birthday party!"
Oh my, Susan. What a wonderful comment from the mouth of a child.
DeleteI love your metaphor and envy your balloon experience! It somehow does not surprise me that you extracted such a good lesson from your short flight. That strikes me as very "you".
ReplyDeleteBut maybe you should start now having the good champagen just to maximize that particular experience :)
I do have a very nice bottle of Champagne sitting in my basement for about two years now. It is too big a bottle for just The Retired Man and I so we will save it for a time when we can share it with loved ones. I think of all the times we could have done that before Covid. Sigh!
DeleteWould you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
ReplyDeleteWould you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
We could float among the stars together, you and I
For we can fly we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
The world's a nicer place in my beautiful balloon
It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon
We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky
For we can fly we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Suspended under a twilight canopy
We'll search the clouds for a star to guide us
If by some chance you find yourself loving me
We'll find a cloud to hide us
We'll keep the moon beside us
Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky
For we can fly we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Balloon...
Up, up, and away
I'm sorry, but immediately after reading your post it made me start singing this old song and now I can't get it out of my head...
I love that song, Mildred. Thanks for lyrics. I sang it as I read it.
DeleteHow wonderful seeing the balloons. You must have quite a large property for it to include a woodland. As far as flying goes I prefer my feet firmly on the ground.
ReplyDeleteOnly a small portion of the woods is my property, but I do get to look and enjoy all it’s beauty for free. However, if trees fall into my yard during a storm, it is my responsibility. I learned that years ago when Mother Nature brought down three of them. It doesn’t seem fair, but those are the insurance laws.
DeleteI do not like heights but for some reason , going up in a balloon did not scare me at all. The pilot sat on the edge of the basket, holding the rope in one hand and a cola in the other. That did give me a moment of pause.
What a beautiful sight and that's as far as I would go. I would enjoy seeing them up there, so graceful and colorful too. But going up in one, no way. You are a braver woman than I, for sure.
ReplyDeleteThere is a fine line between brave and crazy, Inger. Guess which side I lean to.
DeleteWhat a thrill to look up and see a balloon. Years ago one almost landed in our front yard. That was a great day.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel, Joanne. It is just wonderful to see them and when I see one coming close to my house, I am just thrilled to pieces.
DeleteOn my one and only balloon flight, we did a wonderful two hour circuit, then landed back in the exact place where we'd started. It was an amazing bit of piloting. Our Champagne was real Champagne too; well it would be in France.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful adventure you had, Cro! I would love to hear more about it.
DeleteI do have some wonderful French Champagne waiting to be opened. I just need a happy occasion to pop the cork.
I love to see hot air balloons but I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to go up in one - I don't enjoy heights. I enjoyed the story of your short trip. X
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed it, Jules. I don’t like heights also, but the romance of the balloon ride made me put that aside.
DeleteLovely sight! Last weekend was the annual balloon festival in Bristol, UK. Sadly only 50 instead of the usual 250 this year but fabulous to see!
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s coyly contumacious Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Even 50 is a nice turnout in these times. I would imagine, Barry, that there was just the pilot in each as there is no social distancing in a gondola.
Deletewe have balloons annual festival, but I never tried to ride on...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing lovely story about balloon...
Have a great day
I have always wanted to see a balloon festival. You are very fortunate to have enjoyed one.
DeleteI like your philosophy of life. There used to be a balloon club locally so every good weekend we'd see them floating about, sometimes landing a few yards away on the golf course. Those things are huge seen close-up!
ReplyDeleteBoud, hot air balloons are a glorious sight and who could not feel joy when seeing one. Golf courses are good landing areas.
DeleteThis morning I awoke to news that two balloons in Wyoming went down yesterday due to weather and people were hurt. Not exactly good timing for my post.
Oh my goodness - you need to be a professional writer if you are not already. I loved your balloon story and I loved your analogy with life. I feel the same way you do.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandi, that is a very nice compliment. I always worry about my writing. Was my grammar correct, did I misspell, would anyone be interested in what I say? Your kind comment was very appreciated.
DeleteYou are much braver than I am. I wouldn't go up on a balloon. I loved reading this post because it made me think. Love your philosophy of life.
ReplyDeleteIt really was great fun but I am not sure I could do it today. Getting in the basket would take a lot more effort and getting out may be impossible. I am sure someone in my family would take pictures and they would end up Facebook or Instagram and I would have to disinherit them all. It is best that I stay earthbound as long as possible.
DeleteI've always wanted to photograph hot air balloons. Riding in one would kill me, I am so scared of heights!
ReplyDeleteWhat i the new Blogger stuff? I'm so far behind!!!
Hot air balloons are beautiful sight to see flying in the air and it is wonderful to capture them in pictures, however, there is nothing like seeing them in person. It is a thrill.
DeleteYou are much braver than me!! And the trees! I'd be saying Hail Mary's over and over. But you tell a great story!
ReplyDeleteJane x
I might have invoked the name of the Lord a few times on that trip.
DeleteGlad the hot air balloon helped lift your spirits, and definitely lifted mine. Great story about your adventurous balloon ride. Thank goodness you knew exactly when to duck!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Remembering that story always gives me a smile. There were more stories about that trip that I may have embellished over the years, but it always makes people laugh.
DeleteLovely story and metaphors...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liza.
DeleteMy parents lived in a place where they often saw hot air balloons, sometimes we would see several on the horizon. I wonderd if there was a ballooning club. Imagine having your own balloon !!! I loved your comparison of the balloon ride with your whole life, it's a nice way to think of it.
ReplyDeleteWe see them pretty regularly in the summer months, Jenny, but not as close up as we did that evening. I really thought at least one would land in the field across from me. I was a little disappointed that they didn’t, but so thankful that they passed by.
DeleteDear Arleen, I lived in Minnesota for 38 years. Of that, 36 was spent in Stillwater, the oldest town in Minnesota. The river town borders the St. Croix River, which is like a winding road for hot air balloons to travel. So often in the spring-to-autumn months, the cats and I would hear that whoosh you mentioned and race outside our 1870 home to stand in the side yard, gaze up, and watch the balloons pass overhead. Often the passengers in them waved to us. It was a thrill. But I never took a ride because I'm so afraid of heights. There's some phobia named for that, but I can't remember what it is.
ReplyDeleteAs to the party to celebrate our next adventure beyond this life, like you, I'll like to have a final "liquid"!!! For me, it would be a cup of steeped Irish Breakfast tea and a buttered scone. with orange marmalade slathered on it.
Isn't it wonderful to live long enough to have decades to look backward on and see that, in truth, all--despite the valleys and the downs--has worked out to good. Peace.
It is a happy sight to see, and I can’t imagine anyone not smiling at the sight of one or two or more.
DeleteI do like Irish Breakfast tea also. Last Christmas I found a cranberry herbal tea, which has become my go-to now. The aroma is wonderful and it gives me a sense of calm. I have gone through quite a few boxes of it the past few months.
Yes, Dee, I look back at my life and can say, it’s been OK. There have been many joys and I am grateful.
Dear Arleen, what's the brand of that cranberry herbal tea? I'd like to try it. Take care. Peace.
DeleteIt is Bigelow Cranberry Harvest. Bigelow has a few varieties of cranberry tea, but I like the Harvest. I think it may only be available around the holidays (which starts in October) in stores. When I got very positive reviews from my family, I was no longer able to find it in the store. I found it on the Internet and ordered a case (12 boxes) and gave most away. Just the aroma alone helps me with my stress.
DeleteWhat a great story and a perfect metaphor for life itself. I loved this post- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana.
DeleteHi Arleen...what a lovely surprise to see the balloons.
ReplyDeleteBack in the mid-80s I had the chance to go up in one, but unfortunately, at the last minute, something important came up, which caused me to cancel. I've never had the opportunity to do so again.
Take good care. :)
They are such a beautiful sight to see, Lee. I am sorry that you weren’t able to take the balloon ride. It is a lovely experience.
DeleteI love, love, LOVE this post, especially your metaphor comparing your balloon ride adventure with your life's journey. How true! I think we could all agree to feeling similarly. Right now, my balloon is kinda floating free, and I'm desperately looking for a safe landing spot.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll appreciate this. One of the government agencies I've had to deal with is the VA. I called to notify them of Mike's death, so they could stop depositing his monthly disability checks into our account. Just prior to the onset of a conversation with a very sweet lady, a message forewarned me that the call may be recorded. The very sweet lady mentioned some of the benefits to which I might be entitled, and one of them was a Presidential certificate in recognition of Mike's military service, which would be hand-signed by the President of the United States. When she asked me if I wanted one of them, I paused for a few moments before saying, "Can I wait until after the election?" It was obvious the poor thing was desperately trying not to laugh. (Recorded, remember?) Finally, she said, "I understand, ma'am, but I really can't comment on that. But I'm afraid that isn't an option." So I said, "Okay then, Sure, I'll take one. I still have a dart board." That's when she lost it. (I hope I didn't get her in any trouble...)
Take care, and have a super weekend.
Dearest Susan, last night, at about 11pm, I was thinking of you and I looked up your beloved Smarticus on the Internet and saw that he had passed away. I expected it, but my heart just sunk for you. I am not a praying person but I went back to old habits and said one for you. It can’t hurt.
ReplyDeleteOne thing you wrote in your post today was the extra aggravation you are facing with the ownership of all your cars. We “only” have two cars and one is in my name and the other in his. We were told this was better in case of accidents and possible lawsuits. As MRM has more propensity to be involved in crashes, legally, it is smarter to not tie me and all of our assets up under one umbrella. Mike was just protecting you, or at least, that is my understanding.
I am sure you made that lady’s day with your remarks and she probably told that story to friends and family. In this hard time in your life, you can still make others laugh. A dart board is a perfect place for anything with that creature’s name. When we got his signed letter after our stimulus check, I never opened it but sent it right into the shredder. However, since I paid that money in my taxes, I kept the check and used it to help someone.
You have lots to do now but, as I am sure, many are telling you to take care of yourself. Easy to say, not easy to do. Breaks from tasks lead to time to think. Try to focus of the fun or silly things, but also give yourself time to be mad and vent. You are a strong lady, but you don’t always have to be strong. I so glad that your daughter was with you that day. That is one of the blessings of having a daughter. They are usually more intuitive.
Keep letting us know how you are doing, dear friend. We, in Blogland care very much about you. Be careful out there and stay safe.
I'd like to think Mike put all the vehicles in his name to protect me and the rest of our stuff. However, trust me, HE was the most likely to be in an accident, not me. He had a lead foot beyond belief. Me? I drive like an old lady. (Go figure!) I think he put them in his name because it was... easier. Heck, I'm lucky my name's on the house. When we closed on it in '71, our son was sick, so Mike went to the closing alone, so the deed was solely in his name for a long time. Ten years, as a matter of fact, at which point I suggested we add my name. Not that it matters now. I still have to "prove" I own the house before the city of Norcross will change our bill into my name. Sending them a copy of the deed and Mike's death certificate didn't do the trick. They want a letter from the probate judge, too. (I mean, reeeeally? I've been paying all the bills... signing all the checks with MY name... ever since Mike got sick. And do they reeeeally think I'd want to continue paying the bills on property if I didn't OWN it...??? ARRRRRGH)
DeleteI hope I made that VA lady's day. She was really sweet and helpful. Yeah, I can't help myself. No matter what, I try to find the humor. Our older son got a little exasperated with me because of it. He said, "Do you HAVE to be so damned optimistic?" I said I did. That's who I am. No matter what happens, that's still who I am and who I'll probably always be. Made him laugh. Yep, it's contagious.
Take care, sweet lady.
So glad you got your name on the house, Susan, or that would have been another headache you have to deal with at this time. The red tape one has to go through during the most difficult times is so frustrating and often needless. They don’t make it easy.
DeleteI can’t say that I am always optimistic, but I am wired to always be hopeful and realistic.
Keep in touch, dear friend.
Oh, goodness, I want a much better flight for you, and the very best champagne in crystal glasses!
ReplyDeleteThere was a huge storm in Britain some years ago and it took down many very fine old trees. Everyone was upset, but a short while later surprised and delighted by what had sprung up from the earth in the spaces created.
It was a short flight but lovely and I was so happy to have that experience. I also have a story (I only told half of it here) that has lasted for years and is still giving us smiles.
DeleteI love your story about the trees, Rosemary. A change in landscaping can also have it’s beauty.
Arleen, if we lived closer, I'd invite you over for champagne in our nice flute glasses...and I'd make you a breakfast to end all breakfasts!! ;) You would NEVER get me into a hot air balloon!!! I can't even fly in an airplane! But what a nice memory and an interesting metaphor for your life. :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds lovely, Rain and from what I see of the wonderful meals that you cook, I know that I would enjoy it very much.
DeleteI do not like to fly in airplanes either but the romance and beauty of the balloon calls to me. I was never afraid.
Good for you for trying that balloon ride some years ago, and how fun you saw them near your home today. They are so pretty and buoyant, they make me smile.
ReplyDeleteWe need all the smiles we can get, Terra. I hope you have many smiles today.
DeleteSuch an exciting adventure...how wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt all worked out and you have been able to fly like a bird.
I am so sorry about your trees. But even a touch of good came from their destruction...you were able to view flying rainbows.
Have a beautiful day 🌈
Yes, now I can see the moon come up at night and that is a blessing. I was also blessed that none of the trees came down on my house.
DeleteA delightful story and having adopted it as the current of your life story is even better.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Friko. It was a good experience and a fun memory.
DeleteI just happen to click on your icon and glad I did. I have seen you comment at Jennifer's and John Greys...and your comments are always so peaceful and lovely. But this was a huge help. I have a gift from a friend of mine who is a Aeronaut and will take me up in a hot air balloon. Heights don't bother me, but I don't know yet how I will take it. Im thinking a glass of champagnes first might help. Since I'm not working right now, and with this pandemic, I was thinking this just might be the time to finally bite the bullet and do it. In the autumn here in Bucks County...I'm thinking it would be stunning to see the foliage.
ReplyDeleteTake care*
I have always been afraid of heights but going for a balloon ride did not faze me. I wanted that experience to fly and feel free. I can’t really explain what that means but it was something in my heart and being. Now I am old and probably wouldn’t be able to do it (but only admitting it here), so my advice to you is to do it now and don’t put any joys off. Wear a mask though, because there is no social distancing in a basket.
DeleteAbout 20 years ago I did a hot air balloon trip in Utah. Beautiful scenery, but I'm not a fan of heights and we had a bumpy, bumpy landing. Only once in a lifetime for me. But I have no regrets. One day hope to share that bottle of champagne with you.
ReplyDeleteLandings are often bumpy, but if we are lucky, we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start all over again.
DeleteThat was very brave of you to go on a balloon ride when you had some fear. However, that is the way I see you, Carol, in many things you do. It is all about the adventure and you never seem to say no.
this was beautiful post dear Arleen :)
ReplyDeletehow amazing that single sight of flying balloon transformed your day :)))
and how sweet that you found it a consolation price for destruction made by storm
oh i absolutely LOVED your life time story about your balloon ride ,i know such precious memories are unforgettable :)
i want to take this ride either :)
wishing you all the happiness and peace my friend!
Wow, you are brave. I have always watched those hot air balloons in amazement. I don't many chances anymore, though. I was much more daring in my youth. Glad that you both enjoyed the ride together and had a safe landing.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! Thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDelete