CJ & Autumn Miller

We have been at the JAARS base in NC since Tuesday of last week. We both took time off work & CJ is working hard here at his AIM Air technical evaluation (proctored by JAARS). Last week he was tested orally & practically on aircraft maintenance. Starting tomorrow, Monday, CJ will begin the flight tests. He will be flying a large six person tailwheel that he is not familiar with, & for that matter – hardly anyone is familiar with. Using the Helio Courier for the test enables them to evaluate much more than just hands-on skills, but how a person learns new information & practically applies it. This weekend he has been studying the Helio Courier Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), memorizing checklists, & familiarizing himself with the cockpit. I sat copilot with him this afternoon & induced imaginary fires & engine failures into the regular routine so he could practice the emergency procedures. Please pray for CJ this week – it is a big test.

Meanwhile, in Harrisonburg our good friends Mike & Ana are watching over the house & Teco. Ana texted me Friday night & said that it might snow & I was like “I hope it does”, not really thinking that it would actually REALLY snow. I am new at this whole living farther North thing! Well it did really snow & as of Saturday morning they had already built two substantial sized snowmen in our yard. CJ & I were so jealous. I mean, we leave for one week & all the action happens at our house! Our backyard hill would be great for sledding & I have been daydreaming about it ever since we moved in six months ago. CJ called Mike to inform him about where the sled was kept & I hope they got some good runs in for us. I sure hope it snows again so I can play in the snow this winter. I have already hyped myself up & bought gloves. Below is the picture they texted us of the snowman in our yard & cold Teco in the snow….aw.