Jane Wayne Day

March 22, 2013

I had friends, both Marine spouses and Chaplain spouses, who had had the opportunity with their units to play Marine for a day during Jane Wayne Day. FINALLY, I had the chance!!

All the spouses were divided up by squadrons and rotated through a handful of stations. Our group started with Self-Defense.

 This guy is a Marine Corps Martial Arts guy!

 Our next stop was the simulators. There was quite a line to fly the new Osprey, so I opted for the C130. Even though Rodney was working that day, he was able to hang out with us for most of it, so he got to fly, too!

Then, we headed to the big machinery and climbed around on an assault vehicle.

 Yeah... that's my "tough" face.....

 Got to take little ride in the seven-ton!!

 Our next stop was on the flight line.

First up was a C130!

My friend, Krystin, and me in the back of the C130.

 I just flew this bad boy on the simulator, surely I can handle it for real, right?!?!?

 Next, to check out the Osprey!!

This is what Krystin's husband flies!

 Our last stop was at the ammo depot where we were able to do some laser shooting.

Sure would have been fun to shoot this bad boy!! But,alas... 'no joy'...

 Our day ended with lunch and a demonstration.

 Then, time for smiles and a "Certificate of Participation"!!

It was a really good day!!

Okinawa World Odds & Ends

Just a few odds and ends shots I wanted to share....

 Picture spots (complete with camera mounts!) at the entrance to the park and in the heart of the Gyusuku Village.

 Some picture spots are 'self-made' ;0)

 I just can't help but take photos of the Shisas!!

I would love to know just how old some of them are.

  And, OH, the hibiscus...

...many of them as large as my hand!!

A few sites and signs around...

 A prayer altar

Photos are okay, but, "the flash is a prohibition"!

 Mancha Noodles

"Taco sauce put on okinawa noodle our stuff praise this dish of No,1 menu"

 "Habu Love Girl's!"

Glassblowing at Okinawa World

While visiting Okinawa World with Papa (see previous post), I had the chance to check off another of my Okinawa Bucket List items-- glassblowing!

 Rodney decided it was a good idea, too! We both chose to do Shisa glasses, his blue and mine red.

First, they bring the 'bulb' of hot glass and place it in the mold.

 Then, you blow in the tube until they tell you to stop. The harder you blow, the more distinct the impression on the finished product.

Notice the paper cone placed on the end for protection.

 Cool!

 Next, they disconnect it from that tube creating the top of the glass and the next pole is attached to the bottom of the glass.

 It is then placed in the fire....

 ...a very HOT fire!!

 Once the opening of the glass is hot and pliable, they bring it over and show you how to roll the pole while opening and widening the mouth of the glass.

 Wow!!

We left them there to be fired and set for a few days, then I returned to pick them up. I could have, as it says, "become the mail," but, I didn't mind the lovely drive back down with a friend!

Our finished products:

The blue one is showing the face and the red one is showing the tail.

Super fun!!!!! And a great memory and souvenir!!!