The past few days have been spent inside, snow coming down around us like a shaken snow globe.
Fourteen inches fell in just over a day. Thankfully, it was snow and not ice like areas farther south received. It’s been beautiful and quiet—one of those rare pauses that gently reminds you to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the moment.
Before the storm arrived, we made a quick trip out to the airport to be sure there was enough propane and that nothing looked amiss. Those small pre-storm rituals feel comforting in their own way—quiet checklists before nature takes over.
On the way back, we stopped by the restorer’s mentor to see how he was doing. He’s been making steady progress on his latest project, a Beechcraft Staggerwing model B-17. The first of four wings is nearing completion. Progress on projects like that doesn’t happen in leaps—it happens one careful rib, fitting, and decision at a time.
The storm was forecast to arrive in just a few hours, and the roads were already nearly empty. Once home, with nowhere else to go, the mindset shifted naturally.
Snow day daydreaming.
Even when we aren’t flying, everyone seems to find a way to keep their head in the clouds.
A pilot friend sent me a couple of tailwheel flying videos, along with the reminder that once it’s above 50 again, we are getting some flight time in the Cub.
Consider me motivated.
The restorers recent work at the restoration shop has focused on the Gee Bee has been ongoing for some time and is nearing completion. Even while winter still has its grip, preliminary work has already begun on the next project—a C-41 that came off the Douglas DC-3 assembly line and later became Hap Arnold’s personal aircraft during World War II. Most of the upcoming work will focus on the interior, but there will be plenty of moments to learn and understand more about how airplanes actually fly—beyond the magic and the money.
Our own projects around the hangar—Sis and Mama’s Chief—have been on the back burner while the Gee Bee has required increased focus. Stepping away for a few days has led to a fair amount of wishing and planning: getting more done on Sis while we have the opportunity to tackle some of the deeper items the restorer has been wanting to address.
Our airplane niece, the Blonde Bomber, has been talking through her studies with a friend who’s going through training at work. Listening to them study systems and company procedures together has been a gentle nudge for me to get back to some online training while the weather is less than charitable.
Rosie sent pictures of cookies and chili—winter staples—while her husband pondered which airplane might be right for them someday.
Even snowed in, aviation conversations find a way.
The snow has stopped now, but digging out is still underway. We’ve been told the runway lights are just beginning to peek out from beneath the snow. Clearing has started, but it will take time.
This forced pause has been refreshing. A reminder that life is what happens while you’re busy making plans.
While dreaming of warmer days, I’ll knock out an online module from AOPA or ABS and get my head back in the game—one small step at a time, until the snow melts and the airplanes start moving again.
Sis, my North Star
Leave a Reply