Saturday 31st January 2009

A whole month of my flying year has gone already – wow!! Better start planning some more flights for the rest of the year!!

Friday 30th January 2009

Mum is on a raffle ticket drive today ... she wants to sell loads of tickets so that people can win little old me ... mmmmm perhaps I need to vet the ticket buyers as well!!!

Thursday 29th January 2009

Lots of ideas floating around for the calendar – lots of suggested pilots – ideas of the aircraft ... ooooh lots of planning!!!

Wednesday 28th January 2009

Mum has been busy working on her prospective pilots for the calendar. Mum!! Are we going to start checking out their bums???!

Tuesday 27th January 2009

So very tired today – guess I’ve got jet-lag ... well today I’m just gonna sleep!!

Monday 26 January 2009

Final day in America and we went to visit the Sea Air Space Museum which was shut – much to my dismay. However we did manage to take some great photos of me in front of an Aircraft Carrier – famous again! Was feeling rather hungry after my photo shoot so we had a Hot Dog and Papaya Drink – yum yum!
Then we got the subway to China Town and saw the Chinese New Year celebrations (lots of firecrackers!!) and had dim sum lunch. I even managed to get ride in an NYPD buggie in Chinatown!! To finish off our tourist bit we went to Bloomingdales – wow – amazing place!! Time for a Hot Chocolate there!!

Then, sadly it was time for our flight home in the evening. But again it was a great flight and I had my photo taken with this crew as well! Ahhh – they all love me …. but not enough to let me fly the aircraft!!!!

Sunday 25 January 2009

Another tourist & pic taking day today! We went to Central Park and saw Half Marathon with runners with icicles hanging from their beards (brrrr – freezing … they should have lovely warm fur like me!) We also went to ‘Strawberry Fields’ , the Memorial to John Lennon and then to Trump Tower. I then felt like I was in the film King Kong as we went up the Empire State Building – wow – what fantastic views of Manahattan and beyond – crystal clear day … I loved it!!

Afterwards we went to Ground Zero (which is now a building site) and the memorial centre to all those who died on 9/11 – a sobering place. We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and then to Katz Diner for a Pastrami on Rye Sandwich – and sat at the table where Sally sat in the film When Harry Met Sally!! Hee hee – it’s all showbiz in this city!!

To round off a great day we went out for dinner at WD50 Michelin Starred Restaurant on Clinton Street-loved by the Chef Heston Blumenthal and it was amazing – hey mum – do you think you can cook like this??!! Finally we went to a bar with amazing Jazz music – nice relaxing end to a busy day.

Saturday 24 January 2009

No flying today, but we did turn into tourists & took loads of pics (and with me in them they were good pics!!) We went to Times Square to buy reduced priced tickets for a Broadway Show and we managed to get some for ‘Pal Joey’ for later in the day – excellent!

We then had an incredible breakfast at Empire Diner on 10th Avenue (see told you they love their food over here!!). After that we enjoyed some more sight seeing - Grand Central Station, the New York Library and saw the Chrysler Building (I was half expecting Spiderman to be hanging from the gargoyles at the top – hee hee!!)

The production ‘Pal Joey’ was on at Studio 54 (which used to be the best club in the world-during the late 70s/80s) – and starred Stockhard Shanning who in famed for her role as Rizzo (from the film Grease!!) – hey all the stars are mixing with me!! Well I am a little star in my own making I guess!! After all that excitement we went to City Crab, on Park Avenue South for dinner – hmmmm more lovely American food!!

Friday 23 January 2009

More flying surprises planned for today – we walked to Heliport (Pier 6) and took flight over Manhattan, over Govenors Island, Liberty Island and Ellis Island and over Central Park and the Hudson River (we saw the barge which was recovering the second engine from the flight which had come down in the river just a week before – oooh glad I wasn’t on that flight!). It was an amazing flight with crystal clear visibility (the best flying day they had had for ages – must be the fact that they had me on board hee hee!) It felt so strange though to be hovering around – and no wings on the aircraft!! And once again I had my picture taken with the pilots – think I should start charging for this!!
Afterwards we took the ferry to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty – wow that’s so huge too! We then had sushi for lunch (hmmm not sure I liked that!) and later we went to Peter Luger’s for dinner (which is at one end of Broadway-in Brooklyn- not the end in Manahattan but we found it in the end!) It’s all eating over here (I’ll be putting on weight!!) – but they do have one of the best steaks in the world!!

Thursday 22 January 2009

I was sooooooo excited today as I was going for my 1st flight … and it’s to New York – WOW!!!! After spending time at Hardwick & Earls Colne I was amazed at how BIG Heathrow was … and how HUGE the aircraft was!! Good job I had my ‘minders’ with me to stop me getting lost LOL!

Flight was really empty – so lots of room to spread out and get comfortable for all the passengers and seeing as I was such a ‘special bear’ I had photo taken with pilots – such a tough life for a little girlie bear … hope my fur was looking it’s best!!

We had a good flight to New York (but the pilots didn’t want me having a go with the controls & I can’t understand why??!!) and after saying goodbye to my new pilot friends we headed off to the Warwick Hotel, Avenue of the Americas (central Manhattan). We were staying on 17^th Floor, just a couple of floors below where the actor Cary Grant lived for 12 years – wow the excitement is too much – think I need a lie down!!

Wednesday 21st January 2009

Spent today packing & repacking my case – think I’ve got it all ready now ... come on!! Let’s go!!

Tuesday 20th January 2009

Been researching USA & New York on the internet & wow!!! Looks like I’m gonna have a great time – there’s so much to do & New York is just so huge!! I can’t wait!!!

Monday 19th January 2009

So very excited about my USA trip - however will I be able to pass the time until we fly???!

Sunday 18th January 2009

Today Rupert should collect me from Hardwick ready for my trip to 'The Big Apple'! Mum has packed all my clothes and my logbook. I can't wait! So excited! I wonder what we will do?! Nothing too 'cheeky' I hope!!

Saturday 17th January 2009

We were supposed to be getting my poster finished off today but it didn't happen as everyone was either working on aeroplanes or flying clubs! But the weather was much better so I spent the day looking out over the pretty Norfolk countryside!

Friday 16th January 2009

Today is mum's birthday ... happy birthday mum!! And also the day I was supposed to get into the skies! But the weather is pants - down on the deck, drizzle and blowing a gale ... not fair. Instead we went to Hardwick for a short while and then out with Debs for a meal to plan more sponsorship.

January 15th 2009

Excitement this evening! Dominic Heal, a 'big wig' captain for Monarch, offered to take me on a trip or two with him! He offered to take me to Tobago, but I am already going to be in New York! How spoilt am I?! But it seems I will be going away again soon!

January 14th 2009

It seems Leah and I are wanted down at Shoreham this year! I’m looking forward to all these new airfields!
I am going for my first flight on Friday! Leah is taking me in a Cessna 172 from Earls Colne, Robin is coming with us too, watch out for some pictures soon!

January 13th 2009

Not much happened today - I need to fly ...
Looked at some new clothes on the internet in case of a Scotland trip - well a girls gotta do what a girl does best ... shopping!!!

January 12th 2009

Today we gained two more bums for the calendar! Yay! It’s all coming together slowly! Debs came over and we sat down and put some ideas together for some posters and flyers.
Also a naughty Scotsman rang and offered his services so it looks like we have a trip to Scotland now! I need a kilt - Och aye the noo!!!

January 11th 2009

Today Rupert Derham of Earsham Hall came to Hardwick to discuss what he can do with me and fund raising! He had some fab ideas for us and we are looking forward to them!
He also offered to take me to New York - wooo hoo!! Big apple here I come! January 22nd - here's counting!

January 10th 2009

Today I went down to Earls Colne and sat with Debs and Leah whilst they planned more places for me to go this year! In the evening they all went to the Christmas Party - but left me behind :-(
It was a late night drive for Leah and I back to Hardwick!

January 9th 2009

Had a trip out today!! A little more shopping, some yummy bacon for butties in the morning…Leah is catering for then men again before we will head down to Earls Colne for a Christmas Dinner in January! How odd! Spent this evening watching girlie DVD’s! and looking out over some cool planes!

January 8th 2009

More shopping for Janie today! Leah has bought me a grooooovy new jacket! Can’t wait for it to arrive! Should go with my aviators a treat!

January 7th 2009

Today I stayed in the warm and started filling out my year planner! January 18th is the first day of bum shooting! Leah’s emptied up the memory card and charged up the camera! It only takes 2378 pictures, I do hope that is enough! *paws crossed*

January 6th 2009

I've told Leah off for not taking her Christmas decorations down - bad girl!! Bad back or not, it's bad luck! I am yet to get sky bound, but I'm crossing my paws for this weekend - I soooooo want to fly.
Dave Barrell has said he will take me on a weekend trip... I've heard about him! Dangerous Dave he was described as! I hope he's not too much of a 'cheeky' chap! But at least I'll be airborne!!!

January 5th 2009

Today I asked a few more friends if they will fly me this summer! Most of them are 'cheeky'! so i know it will be fun! Also E-mailed some companies to see if they will sponsor our cause! It is so important to find a sponsor for our calendar ... think mum is getting stressed with no response.
I saw all the snow today and was grateful to be in the warm!

January 4th 2009

Today was lovely and sunny, but with all the aircraft at Hardwick on maintenance I have spent the day planning what I’m doing this year. Hope I've not been conned and that I will get to fly .... getting impatience now lol!!
I’ve emailed a few of my friends on facebook to see if they will take me flying this year! I have had a couple of people responded ... I’m going to go flying in a Cessna Caravan (caravan - thought people went on holiday in them??!)with Dave Evans (oooh better behave - he's a CAA man!)and Yak flying with Nigel Willson (heard he does funny spinny things called lomcevaks ... don't know if I want to do them!!)Can’t wait now to see who else will take me on a trip! Come on boys don't be shy .....!

January 3rd 2009

Today Leah took me to Hardwick (wow - it's amazing there!!), where I sat and watched the men working on the two mustangs. Is fascinating to see all the inners of a mustang - but I'd rather fly it boys!! We had a quick lunch and then Leah took me outside to have a sit in the visiting L5 from Priory farm! I had my picture taken(again - I'm so photogenic!!) and then we came back in the warm!
Can’t wait until I get to get skywards - wonder if these mustangs are difficult to start?? Must be easy - the boys fly them!!!

January 2nd 2009

Had fun today with Debs and Leah! They took me into Colchester - girlie day - clothes shopping so when I get to fly in all the planes they have lined up for me this year, I’ll be all ready! I even have a new pair of shades!
After that we went down to Earls Colne, which will be my second home this year!
I got all dressed up in my new outfit and met the people there, before being taken to sit on freeeezing cold aircraft to have my picture taken, even got my paws on the fire truck! Check out my pics - I'm such a sassy bear !!

January 1st 2009

Yipee - it's here ... 2009 & my flying year!! Whoo hoo - can't wait
Today I spent the day at Eye with Leah and Family - boy was she was hung over from the night out last night! Should have laid off the dangerous pudding & that bottle of bubbly for winning the quiz ... but that's another story lol!! We had hoped to fly today, but the weather has been bad again - please don't say that's going to be the theme for my year - bad weather. Driving home from Ipswich along the A140, I could only see half way up the mast!
So I’ve spent the day watching cheesy films - hee hee a typical girlies day!