Balloons

Joseph and Jacques Montgolfier created a hot air balloon 226 years ago, and mankind has been enthralled with them ever since.

When we spotted balloons being filled alongside the road, I knew we were in for an adventure. My husband has always been very impromptu and loves to experience the world around him.

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Occasionally on a Saturday, we get ready, jump in the car and drive. Once, we ended up watching a Native American make an intricate ring out of silver and turquoise. Another time, we watched a semi unload a shipment of new cars. (Haven't you always wondered how that works?) We have watched sidewalks being poured, a roof being lifted onto a house with a crane, sunsets, sunrises, eclipses, para-sailing, and wind-surfing.

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Sometimes, we find an adventure just where we are. This time we couldn't drive by. We had to experience.

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While he's watching the balloons, I am watching him. I am remembering how I always kept the diaper bag fully stocked when the kids were little. I never knew when he would pop up and say, "Let's go!" Despite having a lot of little ones, I wanted to support that sense of adventure.

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I knew it would make all of our lives fuller and more exciting, even though at times I had to contend with forgetting something or missing a naptime.

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Now, the kids are older and my camera bag has replaced the diaper bag. I keep my batteries charged and keep personal care items in my camera bag, never knowing where I am going to end up or what I am going to see.

You can go up for about $200. You can watch for free. Really, though, it isn't the money. I am a little scared of heights.

Didja' know they have to have a commercial pilot's license to fly/steer/raise one of these beauties? From the website above, "They must have at least 35 hours of flight instruction, attend ground school for basic aviation training, pass a written test for hot-air balloons and have a flight check from a Federal Aviation Administration official."

It just seems so daring, adventurous, romantic and scary all at the same time. At least in a boat, you have a life preserver. I was wondering what was going through the minds of those people in the little, tiny basket hanging under the brilliant balloon. Was this a dream come true, an adventure to cross off their list of "Things To Do Before I Die"?

My mind is wondering what my next adventure will be with this man. He fills our life with love, excitement and enthusiasm. Where ever the road leads, I am ready.

So is my camera.