Office Christmas Decoration and a Coping Mechanism

Since we shared our home Christmas tree in Saturday's post, I thought I'd share my office Christmas tree in this post as well as one way I cope with the realities of the Midwest winter.

Both my tree and my coping mechanism are in this picture. Can you find them?

If not, first look closely at my computer monitor. The desktop picture is a beach scene featuring a warm setting and a perfect wave. Staring at that in-between various computer tasks helps me deal with the view of snow and ice through the far window. I bet it's 85 degrees where the beach photo was taken. I wish it was 85 degrees here...

Second, check out the bookcase over my shoulder. The Christmas tree might be considered rather subtle so here's a close up.

There are six historical aircraft on this tiny tree!

Whether a big tree or a little tree, decorated with lights or historical airplanes, whether it's 85 degrees outside or somewhere below freezing, whether the waves are perfect or the ocean is totally flat, Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus Christ. Amen? Amen.

An Inside Job on the Moody 182

Mike's currently the "inside man" on the 182 project.

In order to drive rivets into a repair, it was necessary for Mike
to take up residence inside the 182's tail cone.

While being a contortionist isn't a requirement to be a missionary airplane mechanic, it can help in certain applications!

Join us on the Christmas Tree Hunt of 2008

Hey, come follow me on the great Christmas Tree Hunt of 2008.
Click here to see photos!

Three Down and Locked

A milestone was reached today as the Moody Aviation 182 was taken off the fuselage jig and wood blocks and now rests on its own landing gear. A tail stand is still necessary as, without the engine installed, the center of gravity is currently behind the main landing gear. "Three down and locked" is what pilots say to confirm when the landing gear is extended and safe to land.

The 182 on its own gear.

Progress continues on other aspects of the project as well. Gertjan is fabricating an aileron, Chuck's still working in the panel area, and Ian and David are in the paint booth shooting primer on control surfaces and other airframe components

David shoots primer on the rudder.

It's exciting to see this airplane coming together. Thanks for being part of it through your prayers and gifts!