Take to the Sky

Today is National Ride the Wind Day. Isn’t that a catchy title? Ride the wind – the very idea is exciting. But this day is more than just a notion. It commemorated the anniversary of the first human-powered flight to win the Kremer Prize.

Yeah, if you are like me, you want to know more. Like what the heck is the Kremer Prize. It turns out that the Kremer Prizes are a series of monetary awards, established in 1959, by the industrialist Henry Kremer. Kremer offered the first prize to be awarded to the first human-powered aircraft to fly a figure-of-eight course around two markers half-a-mile apart. This first price was conditional in that the designer, entrant pilot, place of construction and the flight itself must all be British. No offence to England, but in 1973 the prize had yet to be awarded. The purse was increased and the competition was opened up to all nationalities in the hopes of stimulating more interest. It worked, because on August 23, 1977 the first Kremer prize was awarded to Dr. Paul MacCready when his Grossamer Condor, piloted by Bryan Allen, was the first human-powered aircraft to fly the course. This was achieved at Minter Field in Shafter, California. Today a monument marks the spot. The craft itself is housed at the Smithsonian.

It’s amazing what we can achieve with a little faith and a lot of determination. It’s no longer The Sky’s the limit. God has blessed us with the ability to reach for the heavens. Happy Ride the Wind Day!

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Many, many moons ago, on this day I stepped off the edge and followed my heart when I married Hubby. He is my best friend, my soul-mate and the love of my life. One of his favorite foods (aside from anything Mexican) is a good Sloppy Joe. This one has some sass. Here’s to you, my love.

Sizzling Sassy Sloppy Joes
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 Celery Rib
1/2 Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper
2 Serrano Peppers, optional
1 Red Jalapeno Pepper, optional
1 lb lean Ground Beef
2/3 cup Ketchup, divided
1/4 cup Beef Stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
Salt to taste
Hot Pepper Sauce to taste
1 tablespoon Barbecue Seasoning
4 Hamburger Buns

Cut onion in half from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose, peel and dice remaining half, set aside. Trim the ends from the celery. Finely dice rib, set aside. Stem bell pepper, remove seeds. Reserve half for another use, dice remaining half and set aside. Stem and split hot peppers open. Remove most of the seeds, dice and add to the bell peppers, set aside.

Cook beef with onions in a large skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is broken into small pieces and is nicely browned. Drain well, return to heat. Scatter celery, bell pepper and hot peppers over the meat mixture. Stir in 1/3 cup ketchup, beef stock and Worcestershire Sauce. Season to taste with salt and Hot Pepper Sauce.

Cover, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender, and the Sloppy Joe filling has thickened. Add remaining 1/3 cup ketchup and barbecue seasoning, stir. Let simmer a few minutes more. Taste and adjust flavors as desired.

Fill hamburger buns with Sizzling Sassy Sloppy Joe filling. Serve with plenty of napkins, some fries and a nice cold beverage. Enjoy!

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Lord, grant me the fullness of Your spirit