Hot Air Balloon

This is me in great happiness!!!! We went out for dinner and on the way home saw a hot air balloon in the distance. Well, I had to chase it and see where it was going. We (hubby) and I followed it for a pretty good distance. At 127th and Ridge Rd we saw the pickup van. We stopped to talk and found out the balloon was about ready to come down. We followed to a subdivision off 127th. I got the thrill of watching "Bennett Schwantkowski" bring it in for a landing. (Bottom picture) They needed help moving it and getting the balloon down, air out, and packed. We were right there.

Here I am helping, by holding on, as they deflate the balloon. The precision used was awesome. I could not get over my good fortune. I really want to go up in a balloon some day. I missed a chance a couple years ago, mostly because of the weather. It is my dream. I got to help, which was almost as good. Some day!!!!!!!

The gentlemen were so gracious and fun. We learned a lot and got to help pack up everything. In return we received trading cards, and a bottle of Korbel Champagne. I got the extra special gift of a hat. (See top picture.)

I know to some people this is small potatoes, but to me it is a big deal. I have chased balloon since I was a kid, growing up in Flushing. We would see one now and then in the farm country and we would go to see it. As I got older I went to balloon festivals and continued to chase them. We have been to the festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico twice. (The biggest one I know of.) There are various small festival in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois that we have been to. They are fascinating to watch. The shear size and the shapes and the colors are wonderful. What fun.
My big adventure. Someday I will fly in one!!!!