That time of year again

All three of our kids have wonderful memories of Bruce flying his helicopter surveys. For one thing, with Bruce being in the air at odd times throughout the day, our routine was definitely disrupted. Meals were often easy, quick, "junk" food, and of course, I had to have plenty of chocolate chocolate chip cookies around for the pilot.  Doug Getz would often land the helicopter in our front lawn! Come in, have some coffee and cookies, pick up Bruce, and take off.  Doug was a gruff, colorful man, and the children loved listening to him.

But probably, their favorite thing of all, was hearing the wop, wop, wop of the helicopter. They'd drop whatever they were doing, scream to each other, "IT'S DADDY!" and run outside to wave and wave as Bruce flew overhead.

and there would be Bruce, looking out the window, waving back to them.

Well, the kids are gone.

But I still listen for the sound of the helicopter, and now it's the Shelties and me, who bump and crowd and rush out the door.

We actually get to watch him counting OUR elk.

One of my favorite pastimes now, is watching the mares react.

Though they aren't terrified, they definitely all rush to stand together in the face of this huge bird that buzzes their pasture...

and then, flies away.

I'll rest easier when Bruce no longer flies his surveys. It's a dangerous business, and he's lost one of his very close friends, and several acquaintances to the practice. But I will admit, there will be a tiny part of me that misses the excitement, and novelty of having your husband wave to you from the sky.