Helicopters & Houses, Part Deux

First, let me say that if you ever need an idea for a great gift, go with the experiential ones (unless your special recipient has specifically requested a tangible object). In my limited life experience, those are the ones that lend themselves to recollection years from now: "On my 27th birthday, I flew a helicopter!" makes a better story than "On my 27th birthday, I got an electric toothbrush!"

Ya know?

Anyway, so M did enjoy his birthday present!! I know there was a little confusion based on his initial reaction, but it turns out that the flight lesson was a success. Here are some pictures from the day:

Here we are in front of the American Helicopter building where all the madness begins...

After a brief safety lesson, and an unnecessarily long wait for the helicopter to be 'readied,' he could finally crawl into what I lovingly deemed the "Flying Bubble." The R-22 on the side is the model, and it's signature was "Delta Whiskey" (N259DW).
Here the guys (M and his instructor Jerry, one of those crazy old air dogs who is afraid of a moment of silence) take off. It was neat to watch, as I originally thought that a helicopter take off was a merely vertical endeavor. Oh, no no no! In fact, they took off and hovered a few feet off the ground, taxiing like an airplane. Very cool.

Finally, here is a picture I took from the ground as the helicopter made a pass overhead. I found out later that at this point, Marc is actually flying the beast!
All in all, it was a great day and something that he'll remember forever. Happy Birthday, Pootie!

Now, about houses...

I started off the day happy and optimistic. Look how cute I am in my green coat!! At this point I'm thinking, "Today we will find it!! Today is the day!!"
Six hours and 11 houses later, we only had two reasonable prospects. TWO. M likes one, I like the other, and we're in a deadlock. Everything is so expensive, and you really don't get much for your money in downtown Philadelphia. I vote we buy The Dollhouse (still on the market and lowered another $25K) and spend the money we're saving on a) school loans, b) furniture, and c) a Vespa.

Bottom line: House hunting sucks... at least at the moment.

More to come when we have more to report, I promise! Until then, stay well, and count down days until The Wedding!