Rest in Peace Buddy, you were my best friend.

Buddy was the best little dog I ever knew. He was rescued from the animal shelter a little over 2 years ago. He was a rat terrier / Labrador Retriever mix. He looked like a long legged Lab puppy although he was full grown. He was polite and a great companion.
On Saturday after Christmas, we put him in the back seat of the van and he jumped out to chase after a truck which ran over him. The piece of shit driver didn't even slow down, much less stop.
Buddy was never let outside without a leash on. When walking him at a large field near the house or over at the hangar, he was let loose to run all he wanted.
We are devasted and I can't quit crying over him. He should have had at least 10-12 more years with us.
Mark Twain said the dog is the only creature that will love you more than himself. This was so true with Buddy.
Why he jumped out and why he didn't have his leash on, I can't answer. It was all over in one second, but the pain will linger on for a long time.
I hope I can get to heaven to see him again.
Buddy, I am so very sorry. I love and miss you very much. I feel lost without you.

Back in the Air!!

Jabiru Australia is going to warranty my starter. I don't know if I will get on old style like I had, or the newest Nippon Denso starter, but at this point, I don't care. I get a new one. That will give me a chance to engineer a new style starter myself.

Even though I don't have my new starter, a friend from the American Sonex Association, John Davis has lent me the starter off his engine to use until mine comes. He put a different engine on his plane and his Jabiru was waiting to be installed on another plane. So, I'm back in the air. YAY!!

When it is really cold on the ground outside, it is much colder up in the air. Especially when the plane is somewhat drafty. My new heater just doesn't quite cut the mustard when it is really cold. Above freezing, however, it doesn't do too bad a job.
29 hours and counting.