The magical 44,444

I don't know why it is, but whenever the odometer in any of the cars I've owned hits 44,444 miles, it's special to me. It may have started when 30 years ago a friend of mine noticed her '76 Honda was turning 44,444 miles on our way to Yosemite, or maybe it's just because I like the number 4. Here's a picture I took of the event. By the way, I just realized my odometer goes beyond 140 miles per hour. Like my Subaru can go that fast??? Oh, and in case you're wondering, the glittery fish is a lure I found in a parking lot at Canyon Lake while out there for an open water swim practice, and the dolphin is a cute little eraser I found at a store somewhere. I thought the dolphin would be good compliment to the fish. :)

The odometer picture was taken from the top level of the Stadium parking structure at ASU. After my swim workout this morning at the Student Rec Center, I stopped for breakfast with some swimmers at Einstein's Bagels. When leaving, I noticed my odometer read 44442 and realized I had almost missed the moment. So, I decided to drive around a couple of miles so I could capture the event. Since I was so close to the Mona Plummer pool, I thought what better way to drive around without running the risk of not being able to stop due to traffic, than to go into a parking garage. Once my odometer hit the magic number, I drove to a sunlit corner and took the shot. While up there, I thought why not take a picture of the pool and one of the humongous crane being used for the new student housing that is under construction.

It seems strange to see the pools not being used. There is almost always something going on.

I'm in awe of this crane. After it was erected, I noticed that for the operator to get up to the control box, they have to climb up the middle of the structure. Not a task for anyone afraid of heights. However, the view from up there must be fabulous.

2012 Aviation Open House at "Willie"

Yeah, I know it's no longer Williams Air Force Base, but the renamed Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport will always be "Willie" to me. Each year PMG hosts an Open House, which features lots of vintage military aircraft. Here are I few I captured with my camera phone.

This last photo was the highlight of the event for me. The passenger in the front seat was celebrating her 90th birthday with an open-cockpit ride over the Superstition Mountains. I was talking to her son and he told me that she had originally wanted to skydive for her 90th, but chickened out. I think this was a good second choice.

Earth at night from the ISS

Now, this is the way to see the Aurora Borealis!!

I want to be just like Rita when I grow up.

Rita Simonton is a Masters swimming legend. USA Swimming posted a nice video where she shared what swimming means to her. She joined Masters when she was 55 and is now 92 years old. I joined in 2009 when I was 55 and hope to be swimming as long as her. Go, Rita! I'm looking forward to you breaking records in the 95-99 age group.