Janie Bears Flying Diary

Saturday 23rd January 2010

2010-01-23T20:00:00.000Z

Hee hee - relaxing after my shopping spree

Saturday 16th January 2010

2010-01-17T23:59:00.004Z

Well this is it – end of Bearfacedcheek2010 ....
The calendars have been sold and are being used throughout the world (and yes mostly the UK I know!!). Mum is surrounded by them at home, work friends etc!!
And tonight was ‘Party-in-Pink’ and wow – what an end to a fantastic year! The party was amazing and everybody had a really good time ... lots of good pics on Facebook I see!! Mum presented a cheque to the charity for £15 362-75 (& there’s money still coming in too!!).
Then it was time for the raffle .... oooooh my heart was in my throat – WHERE am I going to end up??? In the end it was brilliant!!! I’m going to live with Kevin Rush in Diss .... and he’s a great friend of the Hardwick crew so I’ll still be able to visit (& fly too I hope!!!!!). Looks like I’m going to have fun with Uncle Kevin – he’s already talking about going to the Bear Factory to do some shopping – yippee!!!!!
So that’s it – the end of my fabulous year ... see ya everyone xxx

Thursday 31st December 2009

2009-12-31T23:43:00.001Z

To finish my year in style I went out to Las Vegas!!!! Wow!!
Happy New Yeat everyone **smiley face**

Wednesday 30th December 2009

2009-12-30T20:57:00.000Z

Busy day today – need to pack my case for my trip to Las Vegas ... wooo!!! What a great place to celebrate New Year **smiley face**
Have to make sure I get on the ‘raffle ticket selling mode’ while I’m out there ... quite fany someone in Vegas winning me!!

Tuesday 29th December 2009

2009-12-29T18:56:00.000Z

Mum has got about 150 calendars left to sell & is on a real push to sell them ... boy I’m glad I’m not at home, she is such a demanding seller!! I’ve had a nice relaxing day with Paul – he knows how to treat a Superstar little bear – LOL!!

Monday 28th December 2009

2009-12-28T22:55:00.000Z

It was back home to mum today – but only for an hour before I was off on my travels again ... what a busy end of the year for me!! Well mum & I had our brief time together to celebrate our Christmas – present time – yippee!! But we also had our New Year celebrations too as Paul Clark came to pick me up again for my final adventure!! What a busy life for a Superstar little bear!! **smiley face**

Sunday 27th December 2009

2009-12-27T20:54:00.000Z

Well back to the flying & a nice warm trip with Uncle Dom to finish off my flying year. Today we went to Alicante (a regular spot of mine now!) & again I had no time to explore – boo!! But it was a fairly early start which in turn gave us an early trip back into Gatwick. Well thanks very much Uncle Dom I’ve loved all my flights with you & Monarch ... gonna miss you & your seat belts **little sob!**

Saturday 26th December 2009

2009-12-26T11:53:00.000Z

Another Christmas celebration day so again no flying ... hope everyone has a great day **smiley face**

Friday 25th December 2009

2009-12-25T09:52:00.000Z

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
No flying today – a time for families, friends & celebrations ... let the present opening begin ...!!

Thursday 24th December 2009

2009-12-24T21:50:00.000Z

Christmas Eve & everything is set for Christmas. All the cards are sent – the presents are wrapped & the food shopping is done – yum!! No snow today & it looks like no snow tomorrow – but there is still some lying around ... but I know that doesn’t count for a white Christmas!! Well no flying today ... apart from Santa & his sleigh with reindeer ready to deliver all those pressies ... **smiley face**

Wednesday 23rd December 2009

2009-12-23T22:49:00.000Z

A real winter wonderland Christmas flight today with Uncle Dom – like to think he planned it especially for me!! We flew from Gatwick to Kittila in Finland with a whole 1 hour 40 before having to come home again!! Wish I’d taken my camera as it looked so pretty ... oh well Superstar bear like me just can’t remember everything LOL!!

Tuesday 22nd December 2009

2009-12-22T23:48:00.000Z

Another rest day & time for me to catch up with mum & also to go on facebook – haven’t been on there for ages! Everybody seems to be excited for Christmas & they seem to be in good moods ... plus lots of Christmas goodies around – yum!

Monday 21st December 2009

2009-12-21T20:47:00.000Z

It was nice to head to warmer climates today – but a real shame that we didn’t have long to spend there – only 15 minutes in total **sad face**
We flew from Gatwick to Hassi Messaoud in Algeria ... 3 hours 15 there (tailwind) & 3 hours 45 back (headwind!). It was a really nice flight & again Uncle Dom let me be completely in charge of the seat belt signs – yippee he really trusts me **smiley face**

Sunday 20th December 2009

2009-12-20T18:46:00.000Z

Day off today (another one Uncle Dom!!) & a chance to relax & look at all the snow. Still wonder if we’ll get the white Christmas ... doesn’t look promising on the long-range forecast – oh well!

Saturday 19th December 2009

2009-12-19T21:44:00.000Z

Good ole Uncle Dom, he got us safely out and back into Gatwick today – despite the best efforts of the snow!! We had a Monarch flight down to Grenoble in France & back again. Now I’ve flown with Uncle Dom lots of times & we know how each other works & he put me in charge of the ‘seatbelts’ signs & left it up to me to do it at the right time ... oooh the power!!

Friday 18th December 2009

2009-12-18T22:38:00.000Z

Last rest day & then it’s off to work with Dom tomorrow for a round of flights out of Gatwick. Hope the weather behaves and the airport isn’t closed again – snow & runways don’t mix very well it seems!!

Thursday 17th December 2009

2009-12-17T22:37:00.000Z

Brrrr – it’s so cold & guess what?? It’s snowed ... quite a lot but it’s a whole week early – we need it next week!! It was fun to have a snowball fight today but snow is sooooo cold & it plays havoc with your fur LOL!!

Wednesday 16th December 2009

2009-12-16T22:37:00.000Z

Oooh it’s getting colder & snow has been forecast ... wonder if we’ll have a white Christmas this year?? That will make mums year – she loves Christmas and she loves snow **smiley face**

Tuesday 15th December 2009

2009-12-15T22:36:00.000Z

Loving this time of year – all the decorations that people have up! Love driving around at night – some people have loads of decorations outside their homes – fantastic!!

Monday 14th December 2009

2009-12-14T22:35:00.000Z

Time to chill & relax with Dom before we have a few days flying ... mmm think I could get used to being a commercial pilot – love the rest days!! Ooops Uncle Dom is giving me a funny stare – I was only joking ... please take me still!! **smiley face**

Sunday 13th December 2009

2009-12-13T22:35:00.000Z

More adventures for me – well got to cram them in before the end of the year!! Off to spend the week at Dom’s house before doing the European travel thing again courtesy of Monarch ... mum – need to pack my bags again LOL! Oooh mustn’t forget – flew with Uncle Paul at EGSR today ... was rather strange being in a little one again!!

Saturday 12th December 2009

2009-12-12T22:34:00.000Z

Well today was the planned day for the HH-60G Pave Hawk Search 7 Rescue Helicopter trip – but we were grounded by the weather – fogged in!! Good job that nobody needed rescuing, otherwise we would have been stuck – oops!!
Back at Hardwick it was ‘Cheesy Film Night’ & another roaring success for mum – yippee!!

Friday 11th December 2009

2009-12-11T22:33:00.000Z

Still reliving yesterdays awesome flight – it really was so good. Don’t laugh at me ... but I had to go and watch the ‘Top Gun’ movie ... I’ve been reliving it all day LOL!!

Thursday 10th December 2009

2009-12-10T21:42:00.000Z

Wow – excellent day today!! Went Stateside again – but while staying in the UK ... have I confused you?? I spent the day as a special guest at RAF Lakenheath (USAF base!!). I flew in a F15E with 494 sqn 48 Fighter Wing – it was awesome!! “I feel the need ... the need for speed”!! I was supposed to go up in a HH-60G Pave Hawk Search & Rescue ... but think we’re saving that trip!!

Wednesday 9th December 2009

2009-12-09T21:41:00.000Z

Mum’s feeling really pleased today as we’ve had lots of nice compliments about our calendar ... well I had to point out that it’s because I am in it!! Actually I think it’s got more to do with mum’s pictures of all those bums!! Also like the personal touch with the private messages from the pilots ... excellent **smiley face**

Tuesday 8th December 2009

2009-12-08T21:40:00.000Z

Mum is in busy busy mode again – cheesy film night is coming along nicely – all the arrangements & planning is working out well. Phew – don’t want mum in a mood!! LOL. Calendars are also still selling well ... back to the Post Office then mum!!

Monday 7th December 2009

2009-12-07T21:40:00.000Z

Needed another rest day to get over my Orlando trip!! It was brilliant but the jetlag really messes me up – so good excuse for a nice long sleep today!

Sunday 6th December 2009

2009-12-06T21:39:00.000Z

Only a quick trip to Orlando (but time enough to shop ... well I can’t help being a girl!!) & then it was the ‘Red Eye’ back to the UK again – back to Manchester this time. I’m loving those B744 flights!!

Saturday 5th December 2009

2009-12-05T21:38:00.000Z

Excellent – back with John for another Virgin flight to Orlando **smiley face**
I love flying Virgin – love the colour schemes, the cabin crew & most especially the food!! And the best bit is the USA Christmas time – wow!! Look at all those decorations ... mum – you need to come & see!!

Friday 4th December 2009

2009-12-04T21:37:00.000Z

Excellent – mum has just told me that I have some more Stateside flying to do (yippee!) & this time we will be leaving the UK from Manchester. Oooh a Northern airport for me to try ... guess I better go & pack my bag again!!

Thursday 3rd December 2009

2009-12-03T21:35:00.000Z

Mum has sold some more tickets for the cheesy film night – looks like it’s going to be a brilliant night – can’t wait!! Hope we manage to sell lots more calendars & also raffle tickets to win me!! Oooh that night is getting close now – time for a new family **worried smile**!

Wednesday 2nd December 2009

2009-12-02T21:35:00.000Z

Still the orders for the calendars are flooding in – brilliant!! Well they do make fab Christmas presents ... wonder if I should get mum one – LOL!!! Amazing to think that little old me & pilot’s bums are going to be on the walls in so many UK houses ... in fact houses throughout the world!! FAME!!! **smiley face**

Tuesday 1st December 2009

2009-12-01T21:34:00.000Z

Yay 1st day of advent today & I was given a treat by mum – a chocolate Advent calendar ... yum yum!! Only thing is I don’t like having to have only 1 per day ... LOL!!

Monday 30th November 2009

2009-11-30T21:33:00.000Z

Mum has been busy planning the ‘cheesy film night’ at the hanger for 12th December – hope she chooses her fav film – Memphis Belle – I’ve watched that with her & it’s brilliant. She’s been busy choosing the wines & also the cheese we are going to have. Mmmmm cheese ... I love helping select this!!

Sunday 29th November 2009

2009-11-29T21:32:00.000Z

Mum has been busy these last few days ... lots of people are buying calendars for Christmas presents sp she has been wrapping them up & taking them to the Post Office for posting. Think the Post Office staff wonder what she is up to!!

Saturday 28th November 2009

2009-11-28T21:31:00.000Z

Hee hee I’ve found internet shopping – sure beats fighting the crowds at the shops!! Now what can I buy mum – sure she’d like something sparkly & expensive ... Uncle Paul!!!! Can I borrow your credit card????

Friday 27th November 2009

2009-11-27T21:30:00.000Z

Christmas is getting really close now – everywhere you look it’s so pretty with all the decorations going up. And everybody is getting into the spirit of things – lots of parties & shopping & card writing & present wrapping ... I really must get to the shops to try & find mum a really special present.

Thursday 26th November 2009

2009-11-26T21:29:00.000Z

Wow what a great day today – I was a special superstar guest of BAES test pilots at RAF Marham. I went on a supersonic air test in a Tornado GR4A (eat your heart out Nigel – beats your flight tests LOL!!). That really did have the ‘wow factor’ ... 1.25 hours in a Tornado – awesome!! We were supposed to go in another Tornado, this time with 2sqn – but the aircraft went u/s ... wasn’t me mum – honest!! I didn’t touch anything **smiley face**

Wednesday 25th November 2009

2009-11-25T21:27:00.000Z

Mum & I had a laugh today over the Apache simulator flight – although she did tell me that I should have taken the chance to do it!! Anyway it was time to pack a little bag today as I’m off to RAF Marham tomorrow ... mmm – men in uniform!! **smiley face**

Tuesday 24th November 2009

2009-11-24T21:26:00.000Z

Was offered flying with a difference today – The Army at Wattisham wanted me to have an Apache simulator flight & I was very very tempted .... I mean all those buttons to play with. You know the saying ‘so many buttons – so little time’ LOL!! Anyway in the end I declined ... I mean they might have been training me to kill the Taliban!!

Monday 23rd November 2009

2009-11-23T21:25:00.000Z

Another restful day & time to catch up with mum via facebook & msn ... thank goodness for the internet!! She was pleased to hear from me & what I got up to .... but we do miss each other ... Ahhh!!!

Sunday 22nd November 2009

2009-11-22T21:24:00.000Z

Well after my Stateside trip & early arrival into Gatwick this morning I spent the day sleeping & recovering as I have a hectic week next week with the RAF – yippee!!

Saturday 21st November 2009

2009-11-21T21:23:00.000Z

Well I did have some time to explore today before having to wing my way back home. Had a great time window shopping – wish mum was here coz we’d have a wonderful time clothes shopping & well actually just shopping full stop!!
However it was soon time for our return flight back to Gatwick .... the Vigin Red Eye this time getting us in at 06:59 (22nd) ... yawm!! Mind you – you get good food on these flights – yum!!

Friday 20th November 2009

2009-11-20T21:23:00.000Z

Wooo- stateside trip today!! Went flying with John Davidson, a Virgin 747 pilot 7 we went from Gatwick to Orlando; a whopping 9.5 hour flight!! It was great though – loved the aircraft – it was really cool! We did Mach 0.85!! Hee hee - let’s see what fun I can have over here!!

Thursday 19th November 2009

2009-11-19T21:19:00.000Z

Last day in Germany today & it was good to be able to have a look around & be like a tourist!! I’ve learnt that it really does matter which airline you fly with – coz sometimes you get time to explore (like these guys) or other times you are on a tight turn around (like Dom!). Anyway it was a nice evening flight back from Hanover to Stansted, this time on a B737!

Wednesday 18th November 2009

2009-11-18T21:19:00.000Z

We continued the German theme today by taking an afternoon flight on a A319 (I know how these work now!!) from Vienna to Hanover. And seeing as it was Germany it was time for some more schnapps & a nice piece of apple strudel. Hmmm I could get used to the German cuisine!! Yum yum **smiley face**

Tuesday 17th November 2009

2009-11-17T21:18:00.000Z

Off to Germany today with Paul Clark – we went on A319 to Dusseldorf & we got there for a late lunch of schnapps & strudel ... hee hee I know how to live!!
After that it was an Air Berlin flight from Dusseldort to Vienna. We went on a A320 & the crew were all so lovely that they wanted their photo taken with me ... well I am a superstar little bear!!

Monday 16th November 2009

2009-11-16T15:36:00.000Z

Well what a lucky bear I am ... off for some more European travels – yippee! Then next week I’m off to fly with the RAF – wow ... I feel the need – the need for speed!!!!!

Sunday 15th November 2009

2009-11-15T19:36:00.001Z

What a pleasant change – it’s a nice day!!! And Grandad made sure we made the most of it as he took Chris & I flying in the Harvard. Yay!! It was great bumbling around East Anglia – was a really nice day for flying. I LOVE being a special flying bear!!

Saturday 14th November 2009

2009-11-14T23:35:00.000Z

Brrr – feels like winter is well & truly here ... where have those balmy summer days gone?? It was windy & rainy today so all the aircraft stayed huddled in the hanger at Hardwick – well no-one wanted to fly in that!! Did have an ‘exciting’ evening though as it was the regular ‘Hardwick Film Night’ ... yawn I’m feeling sleepy – wake me up when it’s time to go home!! And I was just getting settled when mum woke me up – she’s had a brainwave (oh no!!) ... film night at Hardwick to raise money for Bearfacedcheek ... with wine ... cheesy film – Eureka!!! The ‘Cheesy Film Night for Bearfacedcheek’ is born!!! Here we go again!!

Friday 13th November 2009

2009-11-13T22:31:00.001Z

We had a break from work (in the various disguises it takes!) today & went Christmas tree shopping instead. Ooooh it was sooo exciting – mums new tree for her new house ... she just didn’t know which one to pick!! She really wanted the huge 6ft one with LOADS of lights & trimmings but Uncle Paul wasn’t as keen – so they had a compromise. With all the marvellous decorations she has picked out it should look amazing!! Can we put it up now mum???

Thursday 12th November 2009

2009-11-12T23:31:00.000Z

People are being so generous for Bearfacedcheek – we held another fund-raising Pampered-Chef Party this evening over at Denton Village Hall– fantastic I love this Pampered Chef stuff mmm!! And it’s great all the help and support we’re getting for the charity. Bit of excitement today as the 2nd print run of calendars arrived and they’re looking good. So we took those along to the party tonight to sell as well as raffle tickets for me ... hope a Pampered Chef lady wins me – then I can keep eating the food!!

Wednesday 11th November 2009

2009-11-11T22:30:00.000Z

More ‘Pampered Chef’ stuff tonight – mum had Mel over to do some Christmas recipe try-outs .... mmmm smells good. Mum – can I help?? I can be the official taster!!!Nothing better than some Christmas scrummy food on a cold winters night!!

Tuesday 10th November 2009

2009-11-10T22:30:00.001Z

Mum’s been busy again – with her new job (don’t worry she’s not deserted Grandad at EyeTech!!) ... she’s now also a ‘Pampered Chef Party Planner’ – wow – it sounds so posh!! She organised a party tonight for Sarah – and Sarah went without her ‘Thank You’ gift and instead turned the party into a fund raiser for Bearfacedcheek .... thanks Sarah!! We also managed to get the calendars out on sale too!

Monday 9th November 2009

2009-11-09T21:17:00.000Z

Quiet day today to reflect on yesterday. Lots of pictures of the poppy drop have been posted on facebook & they look really good. And everyone on the ground said it worked really well.
But I’m a bit worried ... how will they manage to organise it next year without me to help them?? Poor mum xx

Sunday 8th November 2009

2009-11-08T18:29:00.000Z

Remembrance Day today & a service is held at the memorial at Hardwick every year with Uncle Dave & mum doing a Poppy Drop from the Auster. I was a bit confused at how this works – especially when mum appeared carrying a big barrel to take in the Auster ... I thought she’d gone mad!! But then it all became clear – the barrel was filled with poppies – Uncle Dave flew us over the site – mum opened the door (yike!!) and out went the barrel with the poppies streaming out of it. Beautiful & very poignant ... well done mum & Uncle Dave.

Saturday 7th November 2009

2009-11-07T19:29:00.000Z

Weather improved today so mum & I went for a little flight in the Auster with Richard Grace. Glad to see he behaved himself & didn’t try to turn it upside-down like he does with the Spitfire!! Was a nice sedate flight – chance to plan for tomorrows special day.

Friday 6th November 2009

2009-11-06T23:28:00.000Z

Yay – time for 104 Firework Party!!! I was soooo looking forward to this – mum has spoke about it loads ... but the weather was AWFUL. So much rain the ground was soaking – the people were soaking (you should have seen the state of some of them!!) – but the fireworks were spectacular .... 3 cheers for Grandad!! Then to warm up it was back to the hanger for Fish & Chips & a drink ... or2!! Still a brilliant night despite the bad weather!!

Thursday 5th November 2009

2009-11-05T19:28:00.000Z

Remember remember the 5th November gunpowder treason & plot!!! Lots of fireworks around today – but bit of a damp squib for me ... tried to fly with Uncle Paul but it just didn’t happen and I was grounded again ... boo!!!

Wednesday 4th November 2009

2009-11-04T22:27:00.000Z

It’s hard work being a charity fund raiser! As well as selling the calendar & also tickets to win me mum is planning the ‘Party-in-Pink’ in January. We went out with Sarah today and managed to sell some more tickets for it – it’s going to be a great night! Going to be a bit sad for me as well as I’ll have to say goodbye to mum – but then exciting too as I get to meet my new family ... wonder who they’ll be?? Could be YOU if you’ve bought a ticket!!

Tuesday 3rd November 2009

2009-11-03T20:26:00.000Z

Calendars are selling well – they do make excellent Christmas presents!! Mum sold another 8 today & was so happy. I love looking at them & think they are brilliant – sure it’s coz they have such a little photogenic bear on them!!! It’s really clever how the pilots have written a little piece about why the charity was important to them & their reasons for appearing – makes it all so personal ... well done mum!

Monday 2nd November 2009

2009-11-02T21:16:00.000Z

Another day – another week .... & still lots to do ...
Party in Pink to plan
Calendars to sell
Raffle tickets to sell
... gosh mum – we’ve got so much to do!!!

Sunday 1st November 2009

2009-11-01T21:15:00.000Z

Another new month – only 2 left of this special year ... gulp it’s going so fast!!

Saturday 31st October 2009

2009-10-31T21:14:00.000Z

No flying today ... the only things flying will be the witches on their broomsticks – LOL!

Friday 30th October 2009

2009-10-30T21:14:00.000Z

Getting flying withdrawal symptoms ... hope we get some flying in this weekend – well I am a little flying bear you know!!

Thursday 29th October 2009

2009-10-29T21:13:00.000Z

Our website keeps getting lots of visitors – good!! Have to make sure that they keep buying the calendar & raffle tickets!

Wednesday 28th October 2009

2009-10-28T21:11:00.000Z

Looks like we’re going to have to postpone our Halloween party as poor Emma has been really ill **sad face** ... Get well soon Emma xx

Tuesday 27th October 2009

2009-10-27T21:10:00.001Z

Sold some more calendars today – yippee!! I really love them – can’t believe just how well they turned out **smiley face**!

Monday 26th October 2009

2009-10-26T21:09:00.000Z

Mum is busy planning the ‘Party-in-Pink’ in January .... poor mum – she’s always planning something!!

Sunday 25th October 2009

2009-10-25T21:53:00.000Z

Think it’s only just struck me that I’m a calendar girl & will be adorning so many walls next year ... wow!!

Saturday 24th October 2009

2009-10-24T21:53:00.000+01:00

Can’t believe how quickly this year has gone ... & before I know it I’ll be off to my new home. Wonder where that will be as mum has sold LOADS & LOADS of raffle tickets – could be anyone – anywhere .... ooooh scary!!

Friday 23rd October 2009

2009-10-23T21:51:00.000+01:00

Day of rest & relaxation – just the thing for a superstar little bear!!

Thursday 22nd October 2009

2009-10-22T21:26:00.000+01:00

Time to abandon Scotland & return to my home land! Had a short flight from Edinburgh to Leeds Bradford ... where it was time to mix with the little aircraft as well as the big ones! Nice flight over the mountains of Scotland & England ... why didn’t I have my camera??!

Wednesday 21st October 2009

2009-10-21T21:25:00.000+01:00

More civilised times today – 09:00 flight to Rhodes – nice to be able to take off at Edinburgh in the daylight!! I’m getting good at turning these seatbelt signs on & off – they leave me to it now – no need to tell me when to do it! Also know the routine and knew there was no time to get off and explore .... one day I’ll get to explore these foreign lands! And within the hour we were heading back to Edinburgh and this time I got to see the sunset .... never get tired of these sights – they are fantastic.

Tuesday 20th October 2009

2009-10-20T20:25:00.000+01:00

Glad I had an early night last night as it was an even earlier flight out of Edinburgh this morning to Tenerife ... 06:00 take off – it was still dark for goodness sake!! But then I was able to watch the sunrise in the air (missed it yesterday as I was helping to serve breakfast in the cabin!!) – oooh magical moment! The view of Tenerife was amazing too with Mount Teide almost ruling over the island. Looked a lovely place with a constant hot temperature .... I wanna get off & explore!!!!!!!! But you guessed it another fast turn around and just over the hour we were heading back to Edinburgh just as it was starting to get dark – unbelievable! Time for a hot toddy I think ... but don’t tell mum!!

Monday 19th October 2009

2009-10-19T15:24:00.000+01:00

Change of base now as we’re flying out of Edinburgh for a few days (Och eye tha noo!!). Had an early flight this morning to Reims France – 06:15 yawn!! Dom did warn me that the job isn’t glamorous ... guess I should have believed him!! And again no time to explore as it was a 45 min turn around ... but that meant we were back in Edinburgh in time for lunch ... spot of haggis anyone??!! LOL

Sunday 18th October 2009

2009-10-18T15:24:00.000+01:00

Last Hardwick open day of the season & I’m missing it as I’m on my travels. Hi mum – hope it’s a good day & you raise lots of money with your barbeque & calendar sales. Miss you – see you soon!

Saturday 17th October 2009

2009-10-17T19:23:00.001+01:00

Got a feeling of déjà-vu today as we’re off to Alicante again with Dom – same flight times too – so yes you guessed it .... STILL no time to explore!! Heard through the grapevine that it was Debs birthday today & they were having a girlie fly-out to Shoreham .... hmmmm Shoreham by the COLD sea or Alicante by the WARM one .... know where I’d rather be!!! Think I could get used to this lifestyle ... but I’d need a day off between flights though!!

Friday 16th October 2009

2009-10-16T14:07:00.000+01:00

Last rest day ... think I’m gonna put my paws up – it’s hard work being a superstar little bear!!

Thursday 15th October 2009

2009-10-15T22:06:00.000+01:00

Mum is busy planning for her bar-be-cue on Sunday ... she’s got loads of burgers & sausages to buy – hope Tesco are well stocked!!

Wednesday 14th October 2009

2009-10-14T14:05:00.000+01:00

More calendar selling ... is every house gonna have one??

Tuesday 13th October 2009

2009-10-13T18:04:00.000+01:00

Another rest day today & a chance to catch up with mum ... I was able to tell her just how smart Uncle Dom looked in his uniform!!

Monday 12th October 2009

2009-10-12T21:22:00.001+01:00

More Spanish travels with Dom & crew – this time to Alicante on the East Coast – not quite so far as Malaga. We had an earlier flight down and got there at 16:50 – but again no time to explore. In fact it was a much quicker turn around & we were off again 1 hour later. Think Dom picked up on my disappointment as he let me turn the seat belt signs on & off – cor I felt important!

Sunday 11th October 2009

2009-10-11T20:21:00.000+01:00

Well as lots of people are getting ready for Duxford Autumn Show I was getting ready to fly to Malaga with Dom on a Monarch flight! Ooooh I love these big aircraft – so many buttons to play with – ooops not that one says Dom!! We left Gatwick at 15:50 and had a lovely flight down to Malaga. Debs has been here loads & she told me to look out over the mountains on the way down .... it was amazing – lots of little houses up amongst the mountains – looks lovely. Also managed to spot Gibraltar ... wonder if I’ll get to go there on my travels?? Unfortunately we didn’t have long there – we landed at 18:15, but took off again at 19:50 for the return to Gatwick. We had lots of happy holiday makers on board – and I hadn’t even left the airport!!! “Welcome to my world”, says Dom!!

Saturday 10th October 2009

2009-10-10T18:03:00.000+01:00

Last rest day today before our trip tomorrow & it’s a late flight so we don’t have to get up early – hee hee that’s good!!

Friday 9th October 2009

2009-10-09T18:03:00.000+01:00

Mum has been busy selling the calendars today ... can’t wait to see them in use!!

Thursday 8th October 2009

2009-10-08T17:02:00.000+01:00

Been chatting to mum today ... lots of planning going on with selling the raffle tickets ... mum please make sure I go to a good home.

Wednesday 7th October 2009

2009-10-07T14:01:00.000+01:00

Looking forward to flying with Uncle Dom – be good to see him in his work environment ... instead of the fun times at Hardwick!!

Tuesday 6th October 2009

2009-10-06T14:01:00.000+01:00

More lazy days – a chance for a superstar bear to recharge her batteries!!

Monday 5th October 2009

2009-10-05T17:00:00.000+01:00

Nice relaxing day today with Uncle Dom – good to have a break from calendars, raffle tickets & airshow planning – but don’t tell mum I said that!!

Sunday 4th October 2009

2009-10-04T19:07:00.000+01:00

Better weather today (thankfully!) – clear blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and only a bit windy … all in all a great day for flying! Grandad took me flying in Marinell today – fantastic day for flying around in a Mustang – I loved it! We had to do some photo-shoot pics with Roberts car – that was fun & the pictures look amazing … only thing missing is a picture of me!! Then Uncle Dave took me & Dom for a flight in Janie …. ahh he’s such a nice man!! Two Mustang flights in one day – how lucky am I??!!
Then time for my surprise – mum has arranged for me to go flying with Dom for 3 weeks – wow!! Dom is a Captain on Monarch so I wonder what adventures I can get up to ….

Saturday 3rd October 2009

2009-10-03T20:06:00.000+01:00

Well the British weather strikes again … grrrrr! Nice day today, not raining – but sooooooooo very windy, much too windy for Grandad to risk taking the Mustangs to Shoreham. And I was really looking forward to going there, we were going for the launch of the Mustangs SIM – as well as promoting me!!
So instead I had a nice relaxing day with mum & Uncle Paul … hope they don’t think I’m a gooseberry!!!

Friday 2nd October 2009

2009-10-03T19:06:00.001+01:00

Wow – what a great day we have had – Earsham Hall is fantastic, we are going to have such a great night there. Mum & I were amazed and were busy planning our table layout lol! Lots of planning for ‘Party in Pink’ now. We’re also surprised and very pleased at how well the tickets are selling, there are only 150 & we are selling them fast – mum, don’t forget to get my ticket!!
It’s going to be a bittersweet night for me – a great party, fab food and all in aid of a very good cause – but it’s also the night where my raffle gets drawn and I will find out who my new home & family will be … hope they don’t live too far from mum!
Early night tonight – we’re off to Shoreham tomoz ….

Thursday 1st October 2009

2009-10-01T21:07:00.000+01:00

Back to the calendar stuff today – mum & I have been busy packing them for shipping for orders that have come in on-line. It’s all quite exciting really – but I do have sellotape stuck to my fur … paws really aren’t the best tool for packing these boxes!!
Exciting news happened later – mum got a call from ITV (wow!!) asking if any of our pilots wanted to appear on a new dating show they are going to run … Fantastic – the FAME!!! Time for mum & me to check out the pilots and find out if anyone wants to go!!
Well after all this excitement it was great to go for a relaxing swim – what a fun life we have!! **smiley face**

Wednesday 30th September 2009

2009-09-30T19:06:00.000+01:00

Still on the calendar sponsor hunt today … & we are out to dinner tonight with a potential new sponsor … such a tough job but someone’s got to do it!! **smiley face**
If I hadn’t been so busy with these calendars I could have gone to RAF Wittering today with Uncle Nigel & Debs as they’d gone in for a GA day. Cor – sounded like fun – I could have had a sit in the Harrier … and also a go on the simulator – sure that all would have been a piece of cake for a superstar little bear like me!! **smiley face**

Tuesday 29th September 2009

2009-09-29T20:05:00.000+01:00

Well it’s non-stop for us ‘charity people’ – so much to do!! Today mum & me were getting a collecting box ready to take with us on Saturday – as we’re off to Shoreham! Looking forward to that as I haven’t been there before and it’s supposed to be really good … and of course – it’s another excuse to go flying in a Mustang ** smiley face **!! Mum & I are going to be busy promoting Bearfacedcheek and hoping to sell lots of calendars and lots of raffle tickets for little ol me … hey(!) the Shoreham area could become my new home ** smiley face **!
Mum & I are also busy trying to find a new printer to do the calendar reprint – coz this one is selling so well we want to do another 500 print run!! But that also means we need to find another 12 sponsors (groan!) so that we have the money to print it again (oooh there is sooo much to do to print a calendar!!) … but mum has been working miracles and we already have 4 new sponsors … only 8 to go – LOL!!! **smiley face**

Monday 28th September 2009

2009-09-28T20:46:00.000+01:00

Ahhh – the day after the day before!! Relaxing day today – no planning – no preparation – no stressing … just a day of counting money!! Well after counting – recounting – and counting again (!!) – our grand total for the airshow has come to £4124.56 …. WOW!!! Thank you everyone who supported the event!!
Mum has been busy reading all the reviews on the airshow forums – there are some nice pictures of the event and some nice photos of mum & me! Well actually there is something wrong there as there are more pictures of mum than me … and I am the Superstar Bear!!!
Finished the day off at Earls Colne to see Uncle Paul … nice to see him working while we relaxed – hee hee!! Mum is now turning her attention to ‘Party in Pink’ on 16-01-10 at Earsham Hall- I’m looking forward to this as it’s mums birthday and a chance to party – BUT – it’s also the raffle for people to win me – so it’s going to be when I find out who my new family are. So on one hand it’s quite exciting; but on another it’s going to be sad saying good bye to mum **sniffle** ….

Sunday 27th September 2009

2009-09-27T23:46:00.000+01:00

Yay!!! At last – our big day – the bearfacedcheek2010 Airshow!!!! It started off misty & a bit foggy in places this morning and therefore held people up for a while – but then the weather broke and it was the most glorious day – just the sort of day you pray for – fantastic!! The day was great – mum & me were kept busy on our stall … Nannie Diane came & helped us, as did Uncle Paul. We sold loads of calendars – mum has less than 100 left now! Loads of raffle tickets to win me (who can refuse that!!) were also sold, as well as raffle tickets for prises on the day – cor we were busy!
Then it was time for the air display – I wanted to fly, but mum wouldn’t let me – said I had to help promote the calendar & tickets … boo!! Well the guys (& gel!) were brilliant and put on a fantastic display – saw a new formation grouping of the Harvard & the Yak – hey they looked good together … wonder if we’ll see them again?? Debs was kept busy doing her FDD bit – have to keep these display pilots in order you know!! She also had to keep the public away from their aircraft during the display – good job she’s bossy – hee hee!! Well all in all a fantastic day & we were all shattered at the end – have to see how much we’ve raised now …

Saturday 26th September 2009

2009-09-26T22:45:00.000+01:00

Final preparations for the show today – and we really really hope the weather tomorrow is as good as today … everything is crossed!! The runway and the parking area has been swept – TWICE – so should be ok for all our display aircraft. Can’t wait to see them all here – what a wonderful collection we have … P40 Kittyhawk; Spitfire; 2 x P51 Mustangs; Extra 300; Harvard; Yak 52; Dukes of Cassutt …. wow!! Mum has enlisted her army of helpers to bring everything over – cor these boxes of calendars are heavy!!
Uncle Phil has also been busy with the organisation of the Shipdham crew – we have some nice men who are marshalling our aircraft; we also have 2 other nice men – Duncan & Glen – who are going to do the radio for us; and we have the RAF helicopter coming in to fly the ATC cadets … wonder if I can hitch a ride in it??! I have been helping mum bag up the sweeties to sell & I was doing a very good quality control check … until she stopped me – ooops!! Can’t wait for tomorrow – going to get an early night so that it comes quickly …!!

Friday 25th September 2009

2009-09-25T22:44:00.000+01:00

Ooooh what an exciting day mum & I have had today!!! We have been very busy at Shipdham Airfield setting up our gazebo – cor it was big and needed a lot of people to put it up – I supervised of course!! Mum was so excited putting our banner up – it looked great on top – and will attract the punters I’m sure . Mum has got all her tables organised – we’ve got one selling the sweeties (if Uncle Paul leaves them alone!); one selling calendars (it would be great if we could sell out!!) & the final one selling raffle tickets to win me … oooh I might get to meet my new family!!
Then came the exciting bit of the day – mum & I were whisked off to Radio Wayland to be interviewed live on air … WOW!! Mum was sooooo nervous – but she was brilliant – so much so I couldn’t get a word in edgeways – LOL!! She explained all about what we were doing and took a calendar too – oooh it made me blush to look at all those bums again!! The man on the radio was ever so nice and treated us like celebrities – ooooh I could get used to this!! Uncle Tim managed to put the interview on Facebook … so there is no excuse not to listen to it!!!