[mikeb1958]

Well, on Saturday 12 July the wife is throwing one hell of a 50th birthday party for yours truly (my birthday is not until the 16th, but that weekend was already booked with another private function). It will be at the "Officers Club" (WWII era) inside the FANTASY OF FLIGHT, about 30 minutes from Orlando. We will have the place to all to ourselves also, from 6 to 10 PM. My brother is a professional DJ and will be running the show also. Free food and drinks from 6 to 9, which gives you a hour to sober up.
For those who aren't familiar with the Fanstay of Flight, here is the website. Fantasy of Flight, World's Greatest Aircraft Collection
Kermit Weeks has one of the best display of various aircraft from his personal collection. Starting from WWI up to the late 1950's or so, and all fully flyable too! There is a A-26 (or B-26), B-24, A prewar PBY, Short Sutherland Mk.V, Gruman Duck, a two-seater P-40 (only a few were built), a T-6 texan, P-51, Sterman, a German WWII Storch, B-25, F4F Wilcat, B-17, B-23 Dragon, A6M5 Zero, Polikarpov PO-2, F4U Corsair, Stinson Trimotor that was actually used in the Indiana Jones movie "Temple of Doom", etc.
Here is the site of some of the aircrat on display currently. Fantasy of Flight, World's Greatest Aircraft Collection 1929 New Standard Biplane Rides . In one of the warehouses on property, there are alot more various aircrafts and engines waiting to be put together or restored. There is a British Lancaster in 7 huge crates waiting to be put together and in flyable condition also. Some of the other aircraft I saw in the warehouse last year include a Seafury and a Gruman Bearcat.
The party will be a blast! My man Louie and Gerry (Big Guns Collectibles) will be just some of the attendees. Pictures to be added on here after the party. Maybe we can have some candid shots of folks like Louie and Gerry out on the dance floor, etc. Maybe together even.
The wife came up with the idea and I love it! What else can you ask for? She even lets me buy every diecast plane I want also. She's a keeper for sure. She bought me the Corgi B-17 "9-0-9" last year from my birthday. What a surprise that was too!

[chiefs70]

I wish I could join you, Mike but its a bit of a drive.

Best wishes on your upcoming birthday and I hope you have a fantastic party - it sounds like it will be one to remember (of course, as old as you are getting you may not remember much of anything these days.)

[skydriver]

Sounds like it is going to be a great party. You are a lucky man Mike to have such a wonderful wife. Can't wait to see the pictures.

[mikeb1958]

Thanks Eric! It would be nice if you could join in. The offer is open.
Yeah, I know...50.

[mikeb1958]

Originally Posted by skydriver

Sounds like it is going to be a great party. You are a lucky man Mike to have such a wonderful wife. Can't wait to see the pictures.

Yeah, she is a real sweetie. The pics will be good too. Might even take some of the various aircraft there too.

[STARMAN 352ND]

That will be a great birthday party for you..Great way to turn 50...One to remember.
Congrats,
JP

[smartd]

So if we just happen to be in the area...................? Do we have to bring a gift?

[mikeb1958]

No gifts are needed at all. Unless you want to part with your Corgi Memphis Belle B-17 in 1/72 scale.

[mikeb1958]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

That will be a great birthday party for you..Great way to turn 50...One to remember.
Congrats,
JP

Thanks JP! It is going to be one for the books the wife said. She has other thinks planned for the party too which I don't have any clue about.

[flyXwire]

The "Magic 50" - advance HB greetings from me to you, buddy! Live long and prosper.