FCM Plane Crash Involving My Former Boss

A twin-engine airplane, flown by my former employer Alvin Bipes of A.B.Flight Services, crashed into the Minnesota River on April Fool’s Day near the intersection of River Road and Flying Cloud Drive. However, this was no April Fool’s joke!

"They took off normal and when they got up maybe 50 feet, that's when it suddenly went down, like he lost complete power," said witness Wallace Check.

Al Bipes and his best friend Tim Jacobsen were on their way to New Richmond, WI where they were to drop off the plane and drive back to Minnetonka.

Their small plane, a Beech Travelair that Al was borrowing form a friend, crashed just 500 feet from the runway and luckily into the water, which is there as result of seasonal flooding, thus buffering the landing.

Emergency workers pulled out Al and Tim, both conscious and alert, and sent them to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis to treat some serious but not life-threatening injuries. Al suffered a broken back, ribs, facial bones, along with facial lacerations. The same goes for Tim, minus the broken back.

Having spent two years working for Al as his Business Development Coordiantor/Travel Manager, I personally have flown with Al many times. I can say with confidence and pride that he is a damn good pilot and his skills saved both the life of his best friend Tim, and his own. I would gladly fly with Al any day before any other local pilots out there.

God was certainly watching out for you that day Al, but good job on the flying too. God Speed!

My Little Tiger

Another Olympics is upon us...and Kaylin Richardson, my little tiger (I've always called you that, you know), I couldn't be more proud of you and to have been your first ski coach with USSA Gilboa Racing Club. How many years did I coach you? Five? Something like that. I always knew you were going to go far. And now, your second olympics in BC! What an achievement to be there. Ski well my little tiger. No matter how you place, you are my hero and my champion! Soak it all in. You are the bravest, the strongest of heart, and the most adorable. I'm glad you liked me as a coach and I'm happy you got your french fries every time we skied. It was all about having fun, and fun we sure had! Ski fast and enjoy the ride. You deserve all that you have achieved. I'm so glad I could be part of it all. Love, your biggest fan, coach Paula!

5 Years of Wedded Bliss

I can't believe five years have gone by already. Where does the time go? On Februray 12th Todd and I will celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. It seems like he has been by my side for so much longer (*sigh*). I am grateful to have met Todd, and cherish the fact that he is my husband. We have had tons of fun together in that short amount of time. Todd, I love you with all my heart and look forward to the rest of our fun-filled years together. We are the perfect fit, "like peas and carrots" as you always say -- you are the best! XOXO Happy Valentines Day!

Gift Ideas for Todd

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. To Todd, scotch. :)

Christmas Entertainment

Type in the name of a Christmas song and watch these guys sing it for you (especially Rudolph, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas) - http://www.sundog.net/carolofthechins/flash/card.swf

Watch the Christmas lights synchronized to the Black Eyed Peas We Got A Feelin'(too funny) - http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/christmas-lights-set-to-black-eyed-peas/1abptk01a

Ghost Buck

Deer season in Wisconsin is upon us once again! It's the first one I have ever hunted. Todd thinks it's funny that I'm excited about it, but that's because I've never really had a place to hunt before. Now that I own my own land, not only can I hunt but I can do it in my pj's before work! I sat in our deer shack, by myself, on Saturday afternoon. I had a beautiful 10 pointer run through, but I didn't have a clear shot. Bummer! The neighborhood kid shot at him three times and missed, thank goodness! I hope he is still around, I'd like another chance at him! And then there is Ghost Buck! We've only seem him on Trail Cam in the middle of the night. I pray he hasn't been shot by another hunter yet, and decides to wander through during hunting hours. So does Todd. I keep telling Todd I'm going to get to him first. But, he is Ghost Buck. Ghost Buck is smart. Ghost buck is elusive. So, we'll see. We are waiting...waiting for you Mr. Ghost Buck!

Packers/Vikings game - Nov 1, 2009

Packers/Vikings game, Nov 1, 2009 -- one of the coolest athletic events I have been to. World Series 1987 still takes the cake, but this came close. Todd wasn't very happy with me when he learned that I had bought tickets (due to their price tag), however once we were there he had a blast. I think one of the things that impressed him most was the F-16 flyover pre-game. It was impressive (and loud).

Growing up in Minnesota with a father and brother who never missed a game equates myself to a Vikings fan. However, after years of disappointment and frustration with the MN pro football organization, I became disgruntled. Then...along came Brett...one of the most amazing athletes of our time. I converted to a Packer fan which just about got me banned from my friends living rooms. Finally I moved to Packerland where I belong -- I was home. Then the unthinkable happened. Brett left our fine state and put on the dreaded purple. Talk about not knowing who to cheer for anymore! Sheesh! I mean really, what is this world coming to? Armageddon!! A US black president, homosexuals marrying in conservative Iowa, and Favre wearing purple? Definitely three things I never thought I'd see in my lifetime. So, of course I had to buy tickets to the big show...a show bigger than the Super Bowl, in my opinion.

After trekking across the state for four hours we arrived at Lambeau to what looked like a circus. People in costume, vast tailgate parties, hip-hop 'rappers' outside the stadium on mic, and dudes with carved pumpkins on their heads. It was quite a sight. Todd and I couldn't take it all in fast enough and laughed about how many things the other was missing as we feverishly tried to point stuff out to the other.
And yes, I choose to support both my teams by wearing purple and green, which didn't go over as well as I hoped. However, I wasn't the only one. Jersey's that were half green and half purple adorned the stadium. It seemed a little neurotic, I admit. Joe therapist should have been handing his business cards!

Despite the sad and/or mad Packers fans for having lost their beloved Brett, most fans were respectful. But, the loss was a tough pill to swallow for many who secretly hoped to watch their former QB and his team fail on packer soil. Me, I didn't really care either way. I was just happy to be their and watch Brett play like he's still 25. What a remarkable talent, and an honor to see him play in person!

To enjoy more game day photos, check out: http://picasaweb.google.com/Paula.Elert/PACKERVIKESGAME?authkey=Gv1sRgCNXLjbzrt5zGzgE#