It was almost Mother's Day, and my 80+ year old mother needed something out of the ordinary. After all, she had to parent my three brothers and I. Not that we were tough to parent, well, yeah... we were. It's a wonder she isn't an alcoholic or in a mental institution. She was overdue for a special "Thanks".
A surprise flight in a small plane seemed like a good idea. Two of the brothers were shocked at the idea, and my wife was as well. "Tea room" was my wife's idea. Wife seems to have forgotten about the times our mom played tackle football with us boys as we were growing up. I set the appointment, and my poor mom was clueless as we arrived. Pilot Kenn was terrific, and is a flight instructor there as well. He carefully helped her get in the plane, and get all situated. Take-off was smooth, as was the rest of the flight. Kenn flew where she wanted to go, even though she didn't really know where she wanted to go, and kept changing her mind. If you were on the ground and thought that you saw a drunk flying a plane, that was a very sober pilot flying us in ever changing directions. Mom has spent decades in the area, but had never seen the view that the seagulls get. It is truly an amazing experience. Kenn even allowed her to fly the plane briefly.
If this isn't on your bucket list, shame on you. Your mom/dad deserve this rare treat. Just think of all the times they wiped your backside, took you to the hospital, and watched you strike out for the hundredth time. Yeah, you owe this to them.
We went to the Airport restaurant after the flight, and enjoyed (very) fresh oysters.
Mom was thrilled by the flight, and can't quit telling all her friends about it. Got back into the good graces of my mom! Now, let's see if I can stay there for a few months. read more