Airport Day - People

Willits Airport Day - 1943 Army Air Force L6

In Memory

Hometown son, Jesse Pittman, a member of the Navy Seals, was remembered today in a large event down in Ukiah. Up in Willits, Main Street was lined with American flags in his honor.

A Haze of Smoke, Over Dry Meadows

County Fair Fowl

It's Back: The "Outdoor" Farmer's Market

Not a Pretty Picture

I don't know much about it, but I think this happens every year. Middle schoolers gather for a long walk down to the far end of Commercial Street, near the city ball fields and the rodeo grounds, to witness a grim scene. They find an overturned vehicle with injured, or worse off, occupants. Emergency vehicles begin to respond; fire, police, even a helicopter flies in eventually to retrieve possible survivors. The rumor is that the driver was drunk. It brings tears to my eyes every time. It makes an impression on me, and I hope it makes an impression on these kids, well before they can get behind the wheel. It is staged, of course, but I weep to see the dedicated responders rushing to the scene, sirens blaring, and the pulsing of the medivac helicopter on its somber approach. The seriousness these professionals devote to caring that these young people stay smart, and stay alive, brings tears even now. Whatever it takes.

Happy Christmas!

Meanwhile, Back at the Engine House...

People kept warm any number of ways at the Holiday Express event. I'm always amazed at folks who seem to have shirt-sleeve metabolisms no matter what the temperature, especially kids. The hot chocolate was the best I ever tasted.

Even in the cold, the homemade peppermint ice cream was irresistible.

The Christmas Skunk Train

I can't help but look at the lines.

Skunk Train Depot at Christmastime

Predictably, more trains. The Skunk line is running a full schedule for the Christmas season.