Memorial Day Weekend

B-17's, WWII.

"In 1943, it was estimated that 1/3rd of all B17 crews would not survive the war and the huge losses sustained in daylight raids nearly caused an end to such raids."

"The bombing raids on Germany by the 8th Air Force and the RAF’s Bomber Command, took the heart out of Germany’s industrial production. By September 1944, Germany had lost 75% of its fuel production. Out of the 1.5 million tons of bombs dropped on Germany, the B17 dropped 500,000 tons. The 8th Air Force had fired 99 million rounds of ammunition during these flights and it is thought that 20,000 German planes were destroyed. In total, over 12,000 B17’s were built in the war and nearly 250,000 Americans experienced flying in them. 46,500 were either killed or wounded. However, the part played by the B17 in the European theatre of war was of great importance."

--ref.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/b17_flying_fortress.htm

My uncle was a ball turret gunner (B-17) flying from England to targets in Europe. He was shot down, imprisoned, but then liberated as the war neared to a close. He is no longer with us now, but yet he is.

His name was Albert Jr.

May God Bless all of the brave mean that served, especially those that gave the ulimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

--Dan

More Big Bear

Dan

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Rachel

The lake near the dam, or the dammed lake, whichever you wanna use. Watch my language, Dan! The "line" is a log boom typical of lakes that seek to protect the dam "zone" from surface stuff.

"Running" around the lake at Big Bear, California today, Sunday, the 20th of May. Some pictures were taken by the small inlet known as Boulder Bay, while there is also a photo taken from near the dam.

Notice I decided to drive the hybrid up there yet another time. That car was registering well over 50 miles per gallon on the way back, since it was mostly running on the battery from rolling down 6,000 ft. of mountain!

Click on the images, they fill out nicely.

--Dan L.

Friday evening at Big Bear

This "window picture" is looking outward from inside of a chapel right past the altar with the big candle.

Me and my Dad, 1960's.

I plan to take more Big Bear pictures on Sunday.

--Dan

Happy Mother's Day

My wife, a Mom, in the often snowy and mountainous Wrightwood, California, near our home.

Hey...how many SG's does it take, Pete?

--Dan

California's Catalina Island is on fire

The town of Avalon, Catalina Island, California.

Catalina is a fun place. The little island is located about 25 or so miles off the coast of California's beach cities of Newport Beach, Long Beach, etc.

I hope they do OK, there.

Our little family went there about 4 years ago...it was fabulous! I hope it remains equally fabulous after the trauma.

--Dan

A lot happening at the house...

We have overflowed toilets, medical procedures for many of us, very hot weather, many other unmentionable serious stuff...so many people in need...

This IS the place to be, apparently!

We used to be a simple family, us...

This photo was "us", back about only 7-ish years or so..,

I am the only man here, except for the recent grandboy...

Sigh...

--Dan

Life

...an old story, and it will be happening long past my lifetime, I am sure. We are terribly frustrated with many "offspring events", here, at the house. We are stubbornly waking up every day, and tiredly going to sleep every night, just as always...in spite of all.

Hey!..

A very fun picture above...

I really, really miss these guys. Do YOU know who they are? Yes, this is a test!

--Dan

The way we were

Our house was built in 1986. I was there as it happened, and this is my wife, Cruz, with all the anticipation in the whole wide world, standing by our car. She was already a Mom, and we needed a house. We are still in that house now, though it has grown walls.

This photo was scanned at a higher resolution the some of my previous ones, so it looks quite better when you "click" on it.

--Dan

And the beat goes on...

I understand that this photo is Pete Townshend with his brothers Paul, and Simon.

I saw this on www.thewho.net . I did not see a reference to any copyright, and I cannot tell who is connected to it. I place this on my blog with the reference to www.thewho.net , because I have no idea where this photo originated. It is on the net, and I cannot trace it to give credit. I love this photo, and you may also like it as well. Go to the website...it is really a great site!

--Dan