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A surprise landing ...

8/30/2020

20 Comments

 
There was huffing outside my home office window. Surely not a bear. My common first thought  after having seen one. The sound got louder, but I couldn't identify it. Then it dawned on me. A hot air balloon. They glide by our home often and sometimes the sound of the burners is clear. 

I ran outside and this is what I saw. A balloon had come down next to our home. 
Picture
The pilot explained that the wind had shifted and the street looked like a safe place to land. His riders, a young couple celebrating their first anniversary, thought it all very exciting. 

Soon the neighborhood arrived and all of us pulled on the ropes to hold the balloon down until the carrier truck arrived. Only later did we realize that not one of us wore a mask. 

There's nothing like an unexpected visitor to brighten the morning sun! 
​
20 Comments
Staci Troilo link
8/30/2020 11:23:00

I bet that's an anniversary they'll never forget.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/30/2020 12:01:37

I'm with you, Staci. They'll never forget this anniversary. ♥

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D.L. Finn
8/30/2020 11:23:36

What a charming surprise to wake up to and I l9ve the picture. I'm so glad the couple thought it a wonderful adventure for their 1st anniversary. Great neighborhood to pull together and help.

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Gwen Plano
8/30/2020 12:02:59

The couple was all smiles, while the rest of us pulled and held the balloon down. It was great fun for all of us. ♥

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Joan Hall link
8/30/2020 15:19:27

Well, that was exciting! I always thought it would be neat to ride in a hot air balloon.

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/30/2020 19:50:58

Me too! But when we found out the cost, we decided to wait a bit more. ♥

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Harmony Kent link
8/31/2020 05:20:22

Great picture, Gwen. That's not something you expect to see right by your house :)

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/31/2020 08:06:12

Thank you, Harmony. It was quite the surprise. A fun one at that! ♥

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Jill Weatherholt link
8/31/2020 06:53:08

Wow! We never have that kind of excitement in our neighborhood. That's a beautiful balloon. Loved this, Gwen!

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Gwen Plano
8/31/2020 08:07:57

Thank you, Jill. Who knows, you might have a balloon land as well! It was a first for us. :D

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Mae Clair link
8/31/2020 07:57:56

Oooh, what an exciting morning, and what a memorable anniversary for that couple. That is such an awesome photo. I'm sure that experience is something no one in the neighborhood will forget!

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Gwen Plano
8/31/2020 08:09:34

I so agree, Mae. I think we'll be talking about it for some time. It's the closest I've ever been to a hot air balloon. Standing next to it, I realized why they call it a "hot" air balloon. All of us were sweating from the flames. :D

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john howell link
8/31/2020 11:20:55

What an exciting thing to have happen. I'll bet the couple were excited. No masks? Oh my. Thanks for sharing, Gwen.

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Gwen Plano
8/31/2020 16:24:47

The young couple was radiant. They had us take pictures of them so they could share their story with friends and family. Rather amazing!

Reply
Jan Sikes
8/31/2020 15:44:51

Wow! Kudos to the pilot for finding a safe place to touch down. I have always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon. Maybe someday! Thanks for sharing this bit of neighborhood excitement!

Reply
Gwen Plano
8/31/2020 16:26:23

Me too, Jan! I'd love to fly high above the hills in one. Someday.... ♥

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Miriam Hurdle link
8/31/2020 21:55:19

I bet it was exciting for your neighborhood as well as the couple. They are grateful for a safe landing. Thanks for the photo, Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano
9/1/2020 09:29:37

Thank you, Miriam. I suspect they were grateful to be on the ground. ♥

Reply
Vashti Q link
9/2/2020 15:11:51

That couple will always remember their first anniversay that's for sure. Nothing like a hot air balloon landing next to your house to get your blood flowing. ;) I've tried a lot of things but haven't ridden a balloon yet––someday. :D xo

Reply
Gwen Plano
9/2/2020 17:28:31

I'm with you, Vashti. I keep thinking--someday! Hope you have a wonderful evening. ♥

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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