The Duke

Orange County John Wayne Airport

Everything was going smooth as clockwork in the morning, checkeded into the airport, easily went through security, and we were getting settled with a cup of coffee when I remembered John Wayne, the man and the statue. It's an OC icon, and I wanted to bring you a picture. To do so, I went back out past security where anyone visiting the airport could come see him, got photos, and went back through securiy again...all for you...but especially for Tiina's husband in Finland who collects DVDs of American Western's.

On our flight, we'd used miles to upgrade to First Class, and found the section half-empty. With no one in the seats across from us, I could scoot back & forth for the best photo advantage. Also, our Flight Captain, Susan Macy, was standing at the door of the cockpit, so I asked if she minded if I got her picture for my blog, and she was most obliging. Had a great meal, watched a darling movie, "When in Rome", chatted wih the flight attendants and well, the time flew by. Oh, "Susan" flew us directly over downtown Chicago for the best view and photos I've ever gotten! Everyone was ooh and aahing! A quick turnaround over Lake Michigan and she has us on the ground & to the gate in record time! Piece of cake!

Our daughter Ashley picked us up with no problems, and we all joined for dinner at Heather & Tina's house. Heather's an awesome cook, btw and had prepared a Southwestern dinner. It's so good to be with them all again, not having seen them since Christmas!

Being on California ime, I had a few extra hour to come by here, but of course couldn't upload last night. I di put my photos of the day on Shutterfly if you'd like to see some of it. For the present everything has to be SOOC, but it wasn't bad. http://365daysintheyear.shutterfly.com/431

Like I said, it was a really great day!

[Jaydee]

happy mums day! looking forward for ur photo and story to tell tomorow. enjoy your celebration with the kids.... =)

[Colleen Easley]

Ain't it grand to be back again? I know you were frustrated yesterday, as was I, about not being able to upload, but all seems to back to normal now.

Great photo. Getting a shot on a 'fly' day is not always easy, but you found something memorable.

[Cherrill]

Glad to know all is going to plan. Sounds like you are going to have some brilliant shots to show us all.

[Kay Taylor]

Glad to hear and see that all went well...even got to throw in a Plan B....Excellent! Enjoy your day!

[Denise Vetromile]

Love the perspective on this shot, Louise, and the background is PERFECT (I know you weren't responsible for that, but it's great!) ...

Enjoy your time in Chicago! Can't wait to hear about the 365 meeting!

[Claudette Shelby]

Love the photo of John Wayne Statue, it's perfect with the American flag behind it. Glad you had a safe trip, thus far.

[Luz Therese]

I could almost feel the excitement generated by this trip of yours, Louise. I was so pleased to read that you had a great time with your daughters, and it's mother's day! Looking forward to your upcoming photos!

[Amy Rodriguez]

That is one of my favorite airports...so convenient and easy. I love that you went all the way back through security for this shot. You are a photo die hard! (which means, you'd do nearly anything for a great shot.)

[Denise Vetromile]

I had my kids make the heart cards for THEIR mothers ... we had an overnight at the Aspen School for the Deaf camp in the fall, so the sign language seemed very appropriate!

And, once again, Happy Mother's Day to you, my friend!

[Candace (cw24)]

This is a great picture of John Wayne (statue that is). Great perspective. I love the American flag in the background!

[Just Chris]

Ta Da! She made it! Now, last I checked...it's Mothers Day. Get with da Family and get pamered, will ya Mommers!

[richard saffold]

and when i went out to cali last fall i landed at bob hope/burbank airport! the one here is named after someone called regional. glad you had a good trip.....give sue a hug for me in chicago.

[Louise & Ken]

Ta Da...Great idea... Will send photos :-)

[Lauren Dahlhauser]

you went through all that work JUST for us? :) :) oh you are the bestest :)

[Brad Johnson]

Looking forward to you seeing The Duke again soon, but also looking forward to your summer adventure. Have a blessed Mother's Day.

[wahyu]

GREAT capture, Louise!
and happy mother's day... =)

[Chimom]

so glad you are HERE!! and you brought the sun too! thank you! :)) Enjoy a beautiful Mother's Day with your family and we will see you: TOMORROW!!

[Wu]

Ma'am ;)

happy Mother's day :)

[Paul J White]

Did you hear the collective "Sigh!" as numerous 365ers got the word you had arrived safely in the Great Quiet North? Feliz Dia de las Madres!

[Karen Hurd (hwy61)]

John Wayne with the American flag as a background...can't get any more patriotic than that! Love it! Happy to hear you had a good flight and that you are already in the arms of your family!

[Elizabeth Hanna]

That sounds like a great journey and I love the effort to which you went in order to capture today's 365 picture! It is beautiful. Now have a great time and enjoy some more "me time".

[Choy Mei King]

Wow sounds like a really lovely journey! Fun of you to sneak a naughty pic of the Duke! Glad you're having such a lovely day in sunny Chicago with your girls!

[Diana Moss]

So glad to hear all is going well ,surprised you have time to tell us about your travels !

[Jessica Gates]

first class huh? sounds wonderful!!! =) so glad that you are having a great beginning to your vacay!

[Paul J White]

If Louise sat in Coach, the airline would have to raise prices--the whole section would instantly become First Class! =^)

[Judifff]

I hope you have a fantastic holiday, Your so lucky...1st class travel for a 1st class lady :o)

[Mrs. Smith]

Fantastic picture...so it was worth the turnaround for the picture! Wow! I am so glad that everything went well...and you got some great pictures as well. Stay safe...have fun...and Relax too!

[jennylee]

LOVE John Wayne, so cool!

Happy Mother's Day Louise! :)

[Joji Aso]

Great American icon, long time no seen his movie! I'm glad to know that your trip started literally on first class. Such a unforgettable Mom's Day!

[Slava]

Happy Mother's Day, Louise!! ;-)) Really like this shot!

[Denise Vetromile]

I'm so glad you're excited about the Liliko'i Butter! When I posted the pic of the flower, I knew it was only half of the surprise ... have you ever tasted it before? This is my local "claim to fame." It's VERY highly sought after, in fact, I have the most wonderful stories about how people hoard and hide it so that they don't have to share it! I've even had people inform me that they didn't get their annual gift! (It's kind of gotten out of hand, but I won't need to gift Nique's teachers anymore ~ except those that are on the "forever" list ~ LOL!) Enjoy and know that I treasure your friendship ... Happy Mother's Day!

[Sue Stephenson (Swazzette)]

Glad to hear that you had a safe (and fun!) journey to Chi-town! Loved seeing the pics of our fair city from your bird's-eye-view. Gorgeous shots! Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day today and can't wait to see you and Heather tomorrow evening! :-)

[Lois P]

I like this! Always loved his movies!

[andy c]

He has an airport!!!! ha ha... only in America..!! Hang on, what am I saying, we have aJohn Lennon airport (in Liverpool obviously)... Must say, I have the urge to say "Get off your horse and drink your milk"... was a parody advert in the 1970s when I was a kid to encourage drinking milk... :-)

[TJ's World]

My Idol! I absolutely love John Wayne......I live by his code to this very day.."A man's got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job"
I love this photo...thanks.

[Tiina Tiala]

Thanks so much! I will show this to my husband as soon as he gets home from work - he is such a big fan of country & western movies and music - and it has to be american, as there is no such thing in here, naturally. He'll love this!

[Tiina Tiala]

Louise, he saw the picture and was very impressed! Especially because you mentioned him in your text! :)

[Kats Whiskas]

great perspective such a strong image