New book available! & My new "blog page"!

Hi all,
Anyone from the Oconto Falls WI area may know John R. (Jack) Larson as a pilot, photographer, or writer.
You also may know Vic Bast as a teacher/principal for over 40 years.
And of course, you probably know my mother, Agnes (Konitzer) Bridger Bast.
In addition, you may also know Edward Dinse, a 2nd cousin and former US Marine.

My new "blog page" has the book links to 7 books published this year by these family members & friends.
It was an honor to publish their books on www.LULU.com and you can preview and/or purchase the eBooks or Softcover books by clicking on the particular book covers on the "blog page".

Just click on this link - http://rbappraiser.blogspot.com/ , or go to www.LULU.com .

The new "Airplane Rides", and "Bob Jubin - Aviator" by John Larson.
"Fighter Pilot! by Victor Bast.
"Life's Memories" & "Original Konitzer Family Tree book" by Agnes (Konitzer) Bridger Bast.
"Every Day a Holiday, Every Meal a Feast" by Edward "Jack" Dinse.
"KONITZER Descendants" by Russ Bridger.

I hope you check these books out, and add them to your library or give them as gifts.
Books written by "Family & Friends" are very special, and will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time and interest.

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Congratulations! You have just read words from Russ Bridger; the "family tree guy", part-time 20 year Mpls./MN bus driver, amateur book publisher, and soon to be "sport pilot". Contact me at rbappraiser@comcast.net or phone 763-561-2432.

New book announcement!!

It's official! John R. (Jack) Larson's new book "Airplane Rides" is now available at www.LULU.com in eBook or Softcover format. This life story of 180 pages combines his occupations of writer, pilot, and photographer. Many great photographs! Thanks for supporting the "Family of books, by Family & Friends".

Still fighting for a 1st flight lesson!

Would you believe my flight lesson tonight was canceled due to the Tecnam in for maintenance...again? At least I got to talk to my new instructor, Tim, on the phone, and had a nice chat. He is to call me tomorrow morning and advise of the one and only plane for teaching Sport Pilots. I asked him if he liked his job, and he said he loves it so much he would probably do it for free. I said I like that, because I feel the same way about driving bus. Would you believe he works for a publishing company during the day??? What a coincidence.

Still attempting 1st flight lesson

     Well, it turns out that my 1st flight instructor is leaving the company in 2 weeks, having found a job with a commercial airline. I guess that is the goal for most instructors... waiting for a better job.
     So after talking to him last night, he suggested I might want to start out with an instructor I can stick with for the duration of my lessons. Makes sense.
     So... following my age old advice of  "be nice to the front desk lady", I obtained a new instructor and a scheduled 1st flight lesson for tomorrow night, Friday, at 6:30 P.M. Yippee!! I'll try not to expect anything, and enjoy everything that comes.
     The explanation for the Tuesday morning "stand up" was that the plane was in for maintenance, any any appointments were canceled automatically. Somebody forgot to call the clients!! How's that for customer service in this economy?
     I'll keep my fingers crossed.

1st flight lesson - NOT

Would you believe I was stood up by my first flight instructor? I arrived 10 minutes early for my 1st flight lesson that was scheduled last week with the Chief Flight Instructor, and was told I didn't have an appointment listed. Here I am, a 57 year old, mature professional, willing to pay thousands to this company to train me to fly, and  I get stood up! WTF? Is this any way to run a railroad? I'm still awaiting an explanation 4 hours later. Man, what a bitter taste in my mouth. This is a heck of a way to start a long-term business relationship.

My first flight lesson, 8/23/2011

     Today is the day. 11 AM this morning. 1st flight lesson scheduled. Naturally it rained this morning. But, as of 9 AM things are clearing up. Went to bed last night at 11:30 PM and couldn't get to sleep until 2:00 AM. What a surprise. Over 2 hours to wait now. Wish me luck!