Tuesday Sunrise through the Hangar Door

It has been quite some time since I posted a view from my “Office Window.” During our on-coming shift aircraft checks, I finally found a reason to enjoy the time change. I snapped this with my iPhone through a coffee treated morning haze. Looks like it will be a good weather day to fly, at least for a bit!

We just can’t seem to shake the winter gloom up in my neck of the woods. Today (two days ago as it were) was quiet as work goes. Bad for us, but as my friend reminds me when I complain about slow days—it is good for those who aren’t so sick or injured that they need our services.

The cold of the great white north, more specifically the snow it brings with it, keeps us grounded more than I care to dwell on. I did more flying yesterday in one shift then in the whole month of January.

I get cranky when I don’t fly.

Me savoring the view

Flying keeps my world balanced.

Ice, Dam and Open Water

The pilots will attest to that.

Part of Downtown, edged by the River

Although the view out the window, is mainly rural, each time we land at our hospital, we get a glimpse of the ever changing skyline of our humble, but beautiful city. Downtown is adorned with a river which is part of the area’s identity.

Today definitely bordered on Bill Murray’s version of Groundhog Day.

Remember the movie?

Well, after digging out my piles . . .

. . . we were sent after our first patient.

On our way out the ER door, patient on stretcher, I called our fair well over my shoulder.

“Thanks! See you later today guys!”

Marky, my partner for the shift, almost threw the RSI kit at me.

The ER staff started hollering at my slip. That was almost as bad as saying the ‘Q’ word to them.

I chuckled all the way to the helicopter as my crew chastised me. I am easily entertained.

The flight was uneventful, and lunch was waiting on us 3 hours after we originally ordered it. I got into the second bite of my monster sub when—

—Of course—

—the tones went off.

Minutes later, ass planted in my seat, helmet on my head, lifting to go back to the same hospital for another patient, I was still groaning at the non-prank irony.

And the Ground Hog’s Day movie references began.

Murphy (as in ‘Law’ not ‘Bill’) knew I had a lot I wanted to accomplish today. It just wasn’t meant to be. Apparently my pilot for the day was recently jinxed with being a mission magnet so we kept flying.

Mark and the View from our Office Window

I can’t remember the last time I did three flights in one shift. Yeah Mark Thomas, I know, three flights aren’t much when you hot load cheap scenes in So. Cal. but the our first two patient pick ups were to a hospital 25 flight minutes away. Yup, ONE way. The third mission was to a hospital 45 minutes away.

That makes a three flight 12 hour shift long. And I loved every minute of this 13.5 hour day.

Shifts like this are so much better when you have an awesome crew.

As well as the chance to stretch your legs.

Leg Room? Yup!

And views so incredible, they always leave you in awe.

February Sunset

Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, and we are doomed to 6 more weeks of winter, I think I can deal with it.

And I promise I won’t fly angry!

We had a change of shift pediatric flight just after kick off. Have to say—would rather go flying with Jess and Walt—-the commercials will be on YouTube. The city was just amazing to look over tonight. Wish this photo of Jess was a bit more clear….