Indoor Flying Practice

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Buggying sounds like fun too. Sorry, I invite you in and then I'm to busy to get back here. Busy week. I have a friend in the hospital w/complications so been spending some time there. I'll be back soon. BB Penny

[Penny Lingenfelter]

I took my new single handle prototype to the gym.... then ran home, I knew the kite and old handle were in the van, but it kind of needed line. Then back to the gym, only to find the holes in the prototype were to small to put the line in. So I practiced with normal handles.

Steve made the holes bigger for me and I'm ready to go try them. It's only a prototype and I'm trying to come up with a way to stabalize them. Bars to keep them from going only so far and to give me a better grip maybe? Or maybe I'll find out that the kite will help stabalize them, and I won't need anthing but a good grip added.

I feel like when I first started flying kites inside and Era video taped me saying, "I think if I pull up this way, the kite will go up...... It's all guess work, till I try it.

My friend got out of the hospital after almost 2 weeks. She's not out of the woods yet, but doing better, so I can rest (fly) easy.

Have a great day!

BB

Penny

[Penny Lingenfelter]

I should be able to get into the gym this weekend. The new handles are laced and ready to go. In the interest of indoor flying my husband is taking me dancing tonight. It's all relative. BB Penny

[ant man]

dancing you have a great time penny may the night be your best

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Thanks Anthony, It was a wonderful evening. We got home after 3am.

Steve has 3 football games to Ref today, so he's sleeping in. I'm taking the dog to the vet, mailing my daughter a package to Italy, visiting my friend who's health still has her restricted to doing nothing and she's bored to pieces. She said she was going to the ocean when she got out of the hospital. I thought she wouldn't be in any shape to fly kites. Steve told me she would be ready to go anywhere after that long in the hospital, but she's not up for it, except maybe mentally.

I'll just have to go to the gym and fly for her. I know she'll appreciate it. I'll check out those handles. Enjoy the day! BB Penny

[ant man]

thanks penny i had a great day flying today as for your friend she is in my thoughts and prayers i wish her back to good health i lost my friend richerd corona 2 years ago to a horrable traffic accident he was hit head on by a drunk driver so every time i fly i fly for him so i hope only the best for your friend im glad you had fun danceing i would love to take my wife out danceing but with the birth of our son this year weve been really busy

[Penny Lingenfelter]

It's so sad what life can throw at us. Thanks for the good throughts and back at you.

Here's a picture of my single handle prototype with the screw threw it. It's Rodger Maddy's design. Up until now, I've just been unable to make my own. Ralph, a friend that is very handy is helping me.. so I flew for an hour with it. I figure it would take time to practice with it in order to really determine if I could become skilled at it.

An hour later, and I was ready to switch to the regular handles. Ouch!!

My hand hurt where a sharp screw where I usually hold on to the handles rubbed across my thumb. My middle finger feels bruised from being pinched between the two handles as it occasionally would slide down between them. Not counting wrist and elbows soar from the effort it takes to lift and keep a 7 x 2 ½ ft. kite flying in zero wind. Someone tell Sports Illustrated that Kiteflying is a sport! Not just a hobby.. a sport!

Did I mention my back? Soarrrrrrr. Can you imagine how Carl Braigel, Ray Bethel and Roger Maddy must feel when they fly 3 at one time? Love you Mom! She’s a massage therapist who has saved me many times. Enough.. you get the idea…. I’m feeling the burn.

So, the handles were functional. Ralph has been eagerly waiting to hear how they do. I’ll give him what I found out and he’ll improve them.

I found the handles to be to loose. They rotated to easily and I didn’t have steady control. I know a lot of it has to do with pilot error, but the handles could still be improved on. I tried tying some sleeving around the top of the handle to keep the rotation smaller, but it didn’t help much. I’m thinking some kind of bungee, like a rubber band around the top might work. I need some rotation, but less then I thought. Body movement can keep my handle movements to a minimum, which will give me better control and fewer panicky moments.

The movement of the handles moved to easily from side to side too. The screw needs to be bigger maybe to help stabilize this. The screw is already bowed out of shape and I’m certain it’s not reliable. Ralph put the screw that holds the handles together through both PCP pipes.

I wonder if we’ll have to go to bigger piping? My hands aren’t that big. What about the possibility of screws through top and bottom? Guess we’ll find out.

Seriously, you should try this at home. It’s so much fun and good exercise… yeah.. I’m going to go heat and ice the soar spots now... oh and I'm going back to the gym. Rev on!

BB Penny

[Penny Lingenfelter]

October 4th and we were in Ann Arbors Michigan for the official groundbreaking media ceremony for the University of Michigan’s new children and woman’s hospital. It was a wonderful cause to help celebrate.

Aerial Experience Productions Co. had brought in their troupe of Professional Indoor Kitefliers, Team Windjammers Kite team, National Rhythmic Gymnast, and John Trenephol’s kite crew to aid us with it all.

They needed the Indoor kiteflyers because of the fly location. A courthouse between buildings with trees overhead. Some of you think, oh, zero wind...but that's not the case. The wind comes down and swirls around saying... where do I go? Very challenging.

One of the highlights of this event was having a professional crew on board. At first I thought… that’s silly, it’s quicker if I get my kite, fix what I know is wrong and go on… but a crew to help off, on, reposition, clean wraps, and even reminding you which kite is next was fantastic and it all kept the show going quick and smoothly without a seam. I was very impressed with their professionalism.

Each flyer had a crew.. or two or three.. The rhythm gymnast were each assigned a flyer. but after explaining hidden wraps around bungee and corners… and do keep your face behind the kite, so you nose doesn’t get knocked… well that was enough to scare poor Masha. Can you blame her? Lol It was great having John’s team there. Then hospital personnel would come up and say,” I was sent here to help you, what can I do?” So we had plenty of crew!

We played our parts during the 15 minute kite show. I was a wood nymph. People called me Tinkerbelle and even a Muse. It was great fun. The men ~ had to “Be the tree” Our costumes themed to the Hospitals titled theme, “Spreading Our Roots To Reach New Height.” It was on the tails of the

bright yellow kites with blue tails (Go Michigan!) We helped give away 10,000 free yellow kites and they flew good inside and out. Celebrating, and promoting kites, we were happy little flyers.

We were then escorted on a pre-planned visit through the hospital corridors and children’s rooms.

The corridors were narrow little hallways that 3 people could hardly pass each other in, let alone push equipment easily by each other, and the rooms weren’t much bigger. I could tell they needed and will love the addition of the new hospitals being built.

Sadly, some children in their rooms felt to sick to have visitors. Poor babies. Some welcomed the break from the monotony of their hospital rooms. I gave a tiny baby who was going home after complications his first kite. It seems like we were all a little quieter for a while after our experiences in the hospital. They touched our hearts and I hope we made a difference to them. We all have stories to share about it.

We had time to eat well, play a little, and pow-wow late into the wee hours on the last night there. One day to fly in, one day to practice the show, one day to perform shows, and one day to fly home. Short and sweet… another fun adventure. It’s simply amazing where kites can take us.

The lsit of the cast... and I don't know all the names - yet.

Indoor Fliers: Lam Hoac, Scott Weider, Paul DeBakker, Andy Becker, Lee and Debbie Park, and Me, Penny Lingenfelter.

Outside flyers:Team Windjammers with George, Michael and two other members.. I've got to get names!

Rythmic Gymnist: Masha, Kat, Nina and Berlin.

Crew: John Trenephol, Bob, Aaron, Troy~ best crew ever! Is there a Pete in here somewhere?

D and Justice were produciton managers and kept the show cued and running smoothly and so much more.

Debbie said she'd wash my costume and have it ready for me the next time.

I'm looking forward to it. Thanks to all for the experience!

BB

Penny

[ant man]

penny those are wild looking im going to try and build a set i just happen to have some steel laying around thanks to your photo i might be able to do something with it

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Good luck kwith it Anthony. I am wondering if we should try a totally different approach. We'll keep plugging away at it. BB Penny

[ant man]

if you rember audio robs pic of thos long handles he made i was thinking of doing similar still in thought on what to do ill let you know as soon as i get in idea

[Penny Lingenfelter]

I said I wasn't going to do it again, but I signed up for the Admiral Theater's Talent Show Try Outs. Was it last year or the year before last I went to the try outs, which are by appointment only, and they had shrunk the stage by 3 ft in 3 directions and NOT told me. Someone should have thought to tell me. The people this year are new, so they have no idea what my show is. lol I asked if they could let me in to peak at the stage and get an idea of just how short I have to go.

Short short lines.... It's not my favorite kind of flying, but it can be done. Now I have to decide if I want to fly my new "Cat in the Hat" routine, or just a Merry Christmas nice and slow song, which always looks smooth and beautiful. The Christmas song would fit in with the theme of the event. "Sounds of the Season" performed in Dec.

I've flown in it twice and opened another show for them. I signed up... I'm committed, and probably should be committed. Aiyyaa that tiny stage. Indoor Revolution Kite and a UFO...

Well, I'm going to go practice.. and take the dog to the doggy park. I just found it and he loves it. BB Penny

[Penny Lingenfelter]

I'm going to continue to practice on as long of lines as my gym will let me go.. which is limited because of lights. After Camas, WA OR's Indoor event next weekend I'll switch to shorter lines. I guess I better start looking at Christmas songs just in case. That Cat routine is pretty fast paced for a small space.

I got a little UFO fun fly in today at the dog park today with the dog. Later I went to the gym and practiced.

I called my Mom and Ralph to come see. They watched the Cat in the Hat practice and then I put on the one handed handles as I explained to Ralph the handles worked, but maybe we could fix some flaws. No problem! Ralph is going to cut the screw flush with the handles. The pain will go away. A little bigger pipe would be ok, my hands could handle it. He's going to move the screw up higher. I tend to fly with the palm of my hand on the bottom of the handle a lot. in addition, his moving the screws and the pivot up higher should help. He has an idea to allow less pivot in the handles as well as wobble, etc. I'm glad he understands it,... sometimes I'm just a girl instead of just a kiteflier. In any case, I could fly with them with just one hand, but still wanting to use my other hand at times. So he's going to put together my prototype II... and to show him that I could fly with them even as is I took the kite up into the air... and walllllaaaa the screw SNAPPED!!! My single handle handle was now two separate handles! That was the end of those handles for the evening. Poor Ralph never got to see them working. We’ll try again next week.

I put back on my separate handles. (I’ve been flying with SUL Rev 1.5 handles instead of indoor handles… because they were in the van and the work.) I practiced staying in a small area for the cat/hat routine.. OK, but maybe it's not what I should be working on this week. I’ll try it again tomorrow...and work on using more space --smile.. animate... fly…get your kite where it needs to be to hit the ending... be the cat!

Oh, and then a little 5 yr. old kindergarten named, now listen to this.... "Mariah" As in, They call the wind Maria”.. song. Her mom had named her after the wind on purpose. She came in and flew my UFO for her first time. She loved it. Left a minute.. Drew three pictures... all with smiles, Taped a sucker to one, and gave them all to me. What a sweetie! Then she flew the UFO till the gym closed. Ralph was sitting there looking at the handles talking about his daughters wedding last Sat... Her name.. get this- Windy.

Did I mention I tied 2nd place at the Bremerton Drop Zone’s costume party last night? Kewl Prize, Great Costumes and the owner's name was.. another Windy...(sp) Do you believe in signs?

Best Breezes, Penny~ full of wind tonight.. aye?

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Well there was no wind at the Camas, WA Indoor Kite Competition this weekend. Which is just how we like it.

They ran double competions each day and what a blast. I'm not competing this year, so I could be ustairs and give lessons.

When I asked Steve what was his favorite part of the weekend he said it was waching the kids upstairs playing with the UFO's.

I flew my Cat in the Hat routine. It was a total disaster on Sat. Vanity got the best of me and I didn't use the side of my black nylon hood with the eye holes, so they wouldn't see the eyes. Then I forgot that I was going to pin the top down in the back so the head wouldn't wobble. The head weighs about as much as two tennis shoes. I'd sewed on flaps on the interior of it to hold it down and thought that would be enough. Wrong.. not only did it wobble from side to side once I got going, worse yet..it get tipping forward. I spent 2/3 of the routine pretty much blindfolded. I didn't want to stop it and start over, so I just did it and called it a learning experience.

Sunday, I pinned the back down, turned the eye holes to the front, and flew it so I could see and be a little more animated. The outcome was much better. What a fantastic weekend!

The indoor competitiors did awesome. It was great getting to watch some of their competitions. Lam is here, he put on some beautiful flying. They broke down the open ballet to experienced and Masters, so there were a lot of battling for positions. Good competion and a good show.

The people who tried Indoor Rev's for the first time did a great job. Stahle (sp) 17 yr.ish flew the single Rev. handle and really kept it up there.

The last two young ladies that flew the UFO's liked it and said, oh, My Grandma has a kite store. Theresa's grand kids were there! Theresa said one of them came up and said, "Grandma... I think I would like one of those round kites for Christmas." heheh It was a fun weekend! Thanks everyone that was a part of it.

BB Penny ~ tired Penny with no spell check.

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Now I'm starting to second guess my self. Do I do the cat in the hat routine... fast and fun... or do I go to a nice Christmas song while everyone is in the holiday spirit? Enjoy the day! BB Penny

[Penny Lingenfelter]

I ran to the gym last night for just a 1/2 hour of flying. Winter is coming and those basketball players will still be in there late most evenings. That means a few nights of late flying or early morning fly hours again.

Last night I just flew to fun songs... trying to unwind, work on some moves and find that flow~jo. I have a few of my favorite songs on the end of the CD marked, "Studio Demo 2007"

I can fly the rev behind me in numerous ways, and turn direction behind me. I'm working a little bit more on those snap turns back there.

Kite on tip, leading edge facing 9:00/ 3:00 /9:00/ 3:00. Revolutions web page should have a good definition of how to fly that in front of you. Now to do it behind me consistently is going to take some time.

Ralph and Mom are having lunch with me tomorrow and are bringing my new Jester Costume and #2 of Ralph's Single Rev. Handle. I can't wait! Mom said it's quite different. ooooohhh ahhhhhhh

Tonight I think I can get to the gym by 9:00.

I'm going to measure my lines. Fly, and make some shorter ones later.

Remember to Always do your kite work at home and fly your kite at every opportunity.

I've been searching for music all week. I've almost exhausted everybody's collection of Christmas music that would fit the Jester costume. Not jingly, etc. Therefore, I'm going to plug away on the cat in the hat routine. John said it was very cool. Thanks John.

I was just talking to Steve and we think it might work at the talent show if I do the 1st song in the dark with lights on the UFO. Hmmm?

Well, off I go. Have a good evening.

BB

Penny ~rambling w/out spell check.

[Penny Lingenfelter]

The big boss at work just approached me about our January Company Banquet. It's going to be at the Admiral Theatre this year and each office is resonsible for a 10 min. time slot of skits.

He asked if I had something kite related that I could pull the others in with. hehhehehe what do you think? They could be kiteflyers/dowap dancers or I can come up with sonething else. I shot an email out to them to see if they would really be up for it. We'll see. BB Penny

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Some of the office personnel are picking out their charachters already. I have to determine if by office he means our property management office of the whole Silverdale office before we confirm what we want to do.

The indoor handles that Ralp made were great. I probably won't see them again for another week.

I'm going to try to download a pic of the cat in the hat. It might be to big. The costume mom made... it is so amazing. It's unbelievable the amount of work she put into it. But that's another time.

BB Penny

[ant man]

penny that cat n the hat routine looks like it will be a show stopper good luck and i want to see some pics of it

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Thanks Anthony.. I hope I get the kids to dancing. Wait till you see the Jester costume...it's hysterical! I've been looking for weeks for Renaissance Music. Wouldn't it be fun to fly at a renaissance fair?

I've got another volunteer for the Work demo too. LOL Luv it! Commercial Realtors don't know what they are in for. Misty is telling the men they have to be in tights. lol Joyce says I can do what ever I want with her in the show. ~ insert evil laugh here. See where kiting can take you!

BB

Penny

[ant man]

if you can get a video of it that would be cool too my son loves cat n the hat

[Penny Lingenfelter]

It will probably be a while before I can get video. I'll work on it.

Waiting for a birthday dinner (brother-in-laws) to settle before I go fly. Have a good evening. BB Penny

[ant man]

you do the same best of luck to you hope all goes well with the fly

[Penny Lingenfelter]

It was a good fly. I forgot to mention I measured my shortest lines I'm using and they are right at 9 ft. Gosh, the indoor probably measures 7 ft. across. I am still going to take 1 ft. off. I do want the lines longer then the kite or it's just extended bridle right? They seem so short, but when you get on a stage... 30 x 25 not counting if they have to store band gear or 5 pianos behind the curtains and bring them in even smaller.

The fast running routine is going to be so challenging, but I'm definitely sticking with the cat routine.

I'm waiting for the final say from the office, but still brainstorming on what I can have 1/2 dozen people or more do with kites and ribbons on a tiny stage!

I just read where the spent 5 million when they renovated the theatre. It's quite beautiful. I think a few of them are just as excited as I get whenever there's an opportunity to perform. Running away to join the circus I call it. If I can make this that fun for them they may be back.

Flying and dog park today. I think I'll take my hot heavy costume and practice today. I've got to make sure I can actually do everything behind me that I'm doing without the costume on. That big old head and hat certainly limits me. Still, wait till I get a picture of the fantastic costume mom made me. You will die laughing! REV on!

BB Penny

[Penny Lingenfelter]

Well, I didn't get my costume to the gym yet.

Patience still means wait nicely. It's hard to wait.. I'm getting excited about the single Rev.handle. Aughhh...Can't wait till it gets here.

Meanwhile I have been practicing with my indoor Rev. with indoor handles. I cut the lines down to just under 9 ft. It does make it quicker, so I'm going to bring my Rev. 1.5 SUL handles which are shorter then the indoor handles and try them. I think it will help me to slow it down with a little less over control. Actually what I think it will do for me is make my reverse easier. I am doing some fast movements and want my reverse 360 more controlled.

Hey, I came up with a new combination that I like. 1) A "Guillotine"... Revolution dead launch from ground leading edge face down towards me, to over my head and flying behind me in a split second. 2) Reverse Overhead. Pulling the kite back over my head from behind me in reverse so it comes down in front of me leading edge facing 12:00. 3) and then a few Pivots Me and the kite spinning. Very easy, very kewl in no wind. 1-2-3 punch.

We have a potluck on Fri. when we'll go over what the office is up for at the talent show and I present my ideas to everybody. Most are in... some are still in the dark. The kewl thing here is I asked the receptionest downstairs if she heard what we were going to do and she said no. Misty wouldn't tell her. Yeah! Element of surprise would be wonderful.

Yesterday I ordered 2 red gymnast ribbons. I'm thinking I'll be using them in my Jester routine and the girls can use them in the skit. Since I'm in property management I thought I might pull the skit together with "Sam I Am" trying to rent a property on Green Eggs and Ham St. I know.. I over do things. The office should let me know when I've gone to far. lol

I guess I better go. I've some planning to do. Rev on!

BB Penny