Tuesday night’s Air Force Band of Flight concert was outstanding, and it meant even more attending it with friends Alex, Felicia, Kellen, and Micah. It was a good mix of personalities and I enjoyed the company as much as the entertainment itself.

I love the Air Force Band of Flight concerts when they are held at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, surrounded by our nation’s aviation history. It was especially meaningful as it was two days following the 120^th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight.

Many of, if not all the arrangements were from the pen of the lead keyboardist. They were quite nice.

There was one moment that allowed my sick humor to surface. The screen behind the band yielded some incredible animation to accompany the music, designed by one of the band members. During a lovely rendition of “The Christmas Song,” a fireplace scene appeared on the screen but with the placement of the vocal soloist, she appeared to be standing in the flames. I could not help but find great amusement!

Today is the 126^th anniversary of my great-grandmother’s birth. Mary Belle Jones Clary was born in Boone Township, Madison County, Indiana on one of the several Vinson family farms owned by her maternal grandmother, Mary Vinson Jones Carter. I was fortunate to know Grandma Belle and adored her. My childhood friend and neighbor, Debbie Poynter Lewellen celebrates her birthday and joins me at my current age.

Rick would have turned 60 on this day. From September 25^th to December 20^th, we shared the same age numbers. Every December 20^th, he tripped the new set of numbers. Rick has been gone since April 1990, and for some reason, I miss his presence a little more this year. I have rarely been one to miss things or others and have always prided myself in moving forward; however, the past several days I have found myself oddly missing him. I suspect it’s the effects of the aging process that shall pass.

On this date in history: (2019) U.S. President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which established the Space Force, a new branch of the U.S. military. (2008) American director Robert Mulligan, whose credits most notably include the classic film To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), died at age 83. (1996) The horror classic Scream, directed by Wes Craven, was released in American theatres; it became especially known for using the genre’s clichés for comic effect. (1946) Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, a drama starring Jimmy Stewart, premiered and later became a holiday classic. (1860) Following Abraham Lincoln’s election as U.S. president, South Carolina became the first U.S. state to secede from the Union.

On with the day to make some progress and opportunities!

Make it a great day!

PHOTOS: Band of Flight concert with the singer on fire; my great-grandmother, Mary Belle Jones Clary.