well I will start out in Florida, but my job is moving to Dayton on or about the 24th of January (I think, the higher ups havent quite gotten back yet)....
Oh ya? Dayton's not far from here. But it's cold there too...LOL
Beer Run: (Homeward Bound, Lift-off!)
Another blast of the klaxon brings forth a few more latecomers, hurrying up to the loading ramp with their boodle. Local citizens are gathering in amusement.
The engines rev up again. A passing breeze shifts the structure slightly, and the roar of the engines is reduced quickly. The assistant loadmaster signals passengers to continue up the ramp and complete the boarding.
Several minutes go by. A hushed expectancy fills the crowd. Many are startled when the klaxon sounds for the last time, a long blast signalling that departure is imminent. One confused individual is helped and encouraged by several friends to stagger up the ramp by some local acquaintances. The assistant loadmaster checks off a form with apparent relief.
He signals the pilot with a hand signal, and confirms over walkie-talkie. He then scans the area one last time, and heads up the ramp. At the top, he looks back one last time, and starts the closing of the ramp door.
The engines rev up again, oriented downward to hold against the breeze as the balloon inflates slightly. Quickly the engines are swung upward, and the craft leaps into the sky like a child launching on a swing. It oscillates back and forth for a moment as it steadily climbs into the late afternoon sky. Slowly the chaft makes a wide circle and begins moving off to the northeast.
The beer run is now on its homeward leg, but there is a mood of merriment aboard already. Soon they will be back in the spacious accommodations of the castle. For now, the passengers and crew make do with the comforts they can find, and perhaps another draft of Guinness.