We received our bona fide letter transported via Addison Pemberton's Boeing 40 as part of this year's Transcontinetnal Airmail Reenactment. From the looks of the back of the envelope, Addison had a fun time transporting the letter as it has over a dozen stamps from locations across the U.S.

Yesterday was a very windy day, with winds gusting to 30, but that wasn't enough to stop some IowaNinety Nines (women pilots) from getting together in Ankeny.  Nearly a dozen members and several spouses and friends braved the weather and enjoyed a casual friendly lunch at Chips.  The only downside is that with all the food we ate, some weight & balance stats may have needed to be recalculated. 

Brian, brother Travis, and fellow Stearman buddy Rick Stratton flew up to Marshall Minnesota last weekend for the Red Baron auction.  It's sad that I may never see a heart in the sky again, but then again we couldn't turn down the chance for some red baron memorabilia (like a 450 Stearman).   Speaking of which, the planes seemed to go for 50 cents on the dollar. Topping out at $97k, Christmas came early for a few lucky winners.  Brian's only regret for the day was that he was just a minute too slow on bidding for the 450 project.
The auction also turned out to be a Stearman reunion, with friends flying in from throughout the Midwest.  It was great seeing Jim Martin and Claude Sonday who made out with some good deals that day. 
One of the day's highlights had to be having lunch with the legendary Bill Gordon of the Iron Eagle Aerobatic Team.  He has the wit and charm to put on a great show even when he's on the ground. 
As if the day couldn't get any better, we had an impressive 40 knot tailwind all the way home.  I think that's about the fastest that 182RG has ever clocked.