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Blue skies ahead

(by Jennifer Botkin Phillips - January 23, 2008)

Who would think that simply going out for brunch would turn out to be such an exhilarating jaunt? Especially, when it was only the sixth day of the New Year (Epiphany), when some of us are still trying to locate our daybook to learn where we’re supposed to be or what we’re supposed to be doing.

However, when my special guy, Rob, a true prince of a man, invited me to brunch at the Greenwood Lake Airport Cafe, Blue Skies (formerly the Crosswinds Café), I perked right up. It only took me a D.C. second to accept his intriguing offer.

I eagerly darted out the door without even a glance over my shoulder at the leftover holiday remnants that needed to be put away. However, no second thought on this one. Storing away Christmas decorations would have to wait for another day.

Turning into the entrance to the Greenwood Lake Airport , we passed big wooden beams that Rob told me were left over from Jungle Habitat, the Warner-owned theme park that closed in October of 1976. We then came upon the main structure, which included the airport office as well as the café and the huge structure jutting out of the building believed to be the only surviving Air France L-049, originally bought in 1976, Frank Lembo Enterprises, to be used as a restaurant and lounge.

Upon entering the newly renovated café with aerial artifacts displayed on the wall, we seated ourselves at a table by a window with a spectacular view of the parked planes. Our waiter, a very clean-cut lad, greeted us while we settled into our seats. Enjoying the new experience in a semi-Casa Blanca setting, I then began telling Rob about a man at my church who has a plane and flies out of Greenwood Lake Airport . 

I still find it hard to believe myself, but in less than three minutes time, a familiar looking couple entered the restaurant. 

Blinking in jaw-dropping disbelief, I simply couldn’t believe my eyes.  The couple who’d just entered the restaurant and who were approaching the table next to us was Hans, the pilot I’d just been speaking about, and his wife, Liliane!

I jumped up and after exchanging greetings and introductions; we ended up chatting back and forth between the tables like old friends. After brunch, we all moseyed on out to Han’s aircraft on the aircraft apron, to take a look.

While Rob, Liliane, and I continued chatting, Hans untied his plane, a Cessna, and did the pre-flight check before taking off for a short spin over the Warwick Valley . Upon landing and circling back to the apron area, he motioned to Rob if he’d like to go up for a ride. Instead, Rob asked me if I’d like to go up. 

What…me go up?  Whoa…. I don’t know about that…Yet, right before my very eyes a door was literally open for an incredible opportunity. I hadn’t flown in a small plane in 32 years but the entire stage was set! The propellers were spinning, the overcast morning had evolved into a beautiful day, the passenger door was open, and with no time to think too hard, or get scared, I found myself climbing into the passenger seat, getting buckled up, and with my heart pounding, I was soon jetting down Runway 6 for take off.

We flew over Greenwood Lake , Rt. 17, and the Warwick Valley with West Point to the East and Mohunk to the North. Thankfully, there was no wind, which made for a totally smooth ride. Otherwise, I’m sure I would have been frozen in my seat with white knuckles instead of snapping photos right and left. 

I’ve often heard it said through Bible study groups or from the minister on a Sunday morning, that God’s timing in our lives is always perfect.

The timing and events of Jan. 6 were especially perfect as it was my deceased mother’s first birthday that I would be recognizing without calling her and singing Happy Birthday (though I still did sing Happy Birthday to her anyway that morning while in the shower). Yet, the day turned out to be anything but sad and truly became celebratory and honoring as we flew across the blue skies. Even though a few tears spilled down my cheeks as I thought of mom, I was comforted by the fact that she would want me to be fully present in my life and embrace all the blue skies that the New Year held.

Until next time… Top Blonde… on the run.