Ahhhh...... Retirement: Day #61 Balloons from the Schei Home, Church and Old Town Albuquerque

I set my alarm for 7 a.m. today, hoping to see the mass balloon launch from the fiesta grounds from the vantage point of the Schei residence. There were some clouds in the sky at sunrise, but the wind velocity low enough for a launch.

The view towards the mountains from the Schei front gate...

Christine at the wheel as we head to the Community of Joy Lutheran Church. The church loves Erik, but everybody loves Erik. How can you not love Erik, his smiles, his kisses, his jokes, his laughter? Of course his mother doesn't think he's that funny and suggests that he NOT quit his day job. (As I write this, Erik is reminding us that he is already retired. "Oh, no!" says Moma Christine. "You have a job - to get better!")

Schei family featured in the newest edition of Experience Joy

Pastor Michael Bastian delivered a good sermon on marriage and divorce with a contemporary interpretation.

The youth choir rendition of "My Help Cometh From the Lord" was PHENOMENAL. There director is exceptional and testimony of how important the teacher/leader is, especially for our youth.

The Schei's are preparing for the next Soldiers Ride later in October in Phoenix, AZ. Although they have the handicapped van, long rides are hard on Erik and the rest of the family, so flying is better. An organization called Veteran's Air Lift helps. CEOs who are vets and often own private planes volunteer to fly other vets when the need arises. The call came on Friday that a pilot from CA will get them from Albuquerque to Phoenix for the Soldier Ride.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/soldier-ride.aspx

April 20, 2012 Soldier Ride Video in Washington, DC below...

President Obama sounds the starting gun for the April 20, 2012 race in DC VIDEO LINK


The Schei brothers were first in camera view after President Obama sounded the "GO" horn. The tandem bike, donated by U-Haul, was designed for younger brother Deven to caddy Erik. The warriors had a private meeting with the President prior to the race.