...Izee's Thread

[Izee]

...USAF to me as I walk in the Park...

..."Hey, uh, if you happen to see an F-35, please give us a call"...as I get handed a card.   

Our Military...is it just me, or does it appear that it is getting sloppy?  A pilot has to punch out of his F-35, and I hear that those planes cost a few bucks, and they can't find it and say that it may have gone into 'Zombie Flight'.  So the plane could be pretty far away.  Don't they have some kind of devices on their aircraft so that they can track them?  And, if it went down, wouldn't it leave some kind of evidence?  Well, not much that I can really say, just being a civilian.  But, I will keep my eyes alert when I take my walks.

Maybe it will have a 'soft landing' in a Park, and the children will have a new 'Jungle Gym' to play on.   

[Izee]

...California...

S.F., Oakland, and the Bay Area are losing population because of gang activity and the decrease in the quality of living.  One problem, is graffiti.  Businesses and Govt Buildings are being covered with graffiti, and it looks horrible and very scary.  There was a news clip on TV where the problem was being discussed.  And, only in CA, they state that 'real artists' do graffiti, and it should be protected.  So, businesses are having some problems.  So, Joe who owns the corner convenience store, wants to remove the horrible graffiti on the side of HIS BUILDING...and he has to get PERMISSION from the Gov't, because the sloppy paint job may have 'artistic value'. 

Can you imagine such a thing in a sane society?  First of all, if an 'Artist' wants to paint something on a building that he doesn't own, well, why shouldn't he be required to GET THE OWNER'S PERMISSION FIRST???  And, of course, local statutes must be honored.  Maybe a community doesn't want stuff painted on a building that does not fit the plan for the community.  They certainly have a right to have their community be as they wish.  Why the HELL should 'street artists' be allowed to deface a building with crap that they call 'Art'

But, this is just a step to what the Liberal Democrats want...which is anarchy.  They argue that the feelings of street artists are 'hurt' if their masterpiece is painted over.  Well, shit o dear, let the street artist vandal GET PERMISSION...or do their 'masterworks' in a place that is set up for that?  But, the Liberals would rather see Owners Property defaced and it's value drop, and for people to stay away so the businesses...that serve people and provide jobs...lose money and have to close up.  Some very long time businesses in the Bay Area are closing up because they just can't afford the costs that vandalism creates.   

[Izee]

...On a MUCH happier note...

Georges Enescuo  (sp...Sigh...) was quite a Composer.  I have played this a few times, and it is a BLAST, although it is very tiring.  I have said that it is possible to 'doze off' a bit when you are in a Section of the Orchestra, you just gotta make sure that you fit in.  In this work, you CANNOT doze off,  It is a very complex work, and the mood of the work changes from measure to measure.  It also speeds up about 2/3 of the way through, so you have to watch the Conductor, and listen to the people around you to make sure that you fit in.

This is a very complex composition, it isn't just a melody with accompaniment, it has little melodies and frills all over it. 

The quality of the recording isn't the best I have heard, need to wear headphones to get it all.  It is also very fun watching the Conductor, Celibidache.  He conducts in a unique way, and is very expressive.  He doesn't just wave the baton...at times he isn't even swinging it or moving his arms in tempol...but he IS conducting the Orchestra.  He is getting the Orchestra to EXPRESS the music, not just play the notes.  IMHO, THAT is what a Conductor needs to do, to get the musicians to EXPRESS the music, and not just stand there and wave the baton like a metronome.  His facial expressions are very amusing, and he does look like he is having fun. 

https://youtu.be/m8Y5x1N_aIg?si=Aqne_e_uBYmiLplE

[Izee]

...Here is Thomas Tallis again, Vaughn Williams, IMHO, REALLY composed a Masterwork.  The staging of the String Orchestra is different than you usually see.  It demonstrates that there really are TWO string Orchestras, and a string Quartet performing it.  The Conductor did a truly WONDERFUL job, in getting group to vary the volume of the work and showing the complexity.  Once, I was in the small orchestra, and playing the solo cello, and the Conductor had us set up in the BALCONY!!!  So, his back would be towards the audience when he conducted the large group, and then he would turn around and direct us!!!  The audience was a bit surprised to see us sitting in the Balcony.  A child actually came up to us, and asked, "Why aren't you down there?" and pointed at the Stage.  I pretended to get scared and worried, and told the group, "Oh Hell, I MESSED UP!!! We are supposed to be with the rest!!!"  We started to get up as the audience laughed...and then we sat down and I told the girl..."Oh, you will see why, it is kind of fun."  The child giggled at the end.

Once, the Conductor put a full Brass Section in the Balcony when we played the 'NEW WORLD SYMPHONY'.  They stayed silent until the last movement, and then stood when he turned around and conducted them as they played that Famous Theme with the rest of the Orchestra.  The people in the main seats were very startled to hear music coming from BEHIND THEM!!!  I liked it...but...I ALWAYS love drama!!!

https://youtu.be/e6pEIHtffqQ?si=LTgHbjAMswlkgUBG

[Izee]

...Covering for an Adulterer...

Back when I was practicing Law, I was at that horrible firm that wasted my education and talents.  They had me cover depositions taken by Insurance companies, and I was paid $55 per hour.  My usual rate for Business Clients was $250 per hour, and I was WORTH IT!!!  This Over-Educated Panther Huntress caused a lot of problems for the opposition in cases.  But, sitting in on the depositions was boring as Hell, and all I was , was a note taking clerk.  I would just report to the Insurance Company what went on.  But, when I had a business client, my training did amazing things...plus my natural 'Pantheress' Instincts could be very creative and sneaky.

Once, I got a call from a business client, and he said that he had request for me.  I said, "Sure, what is it?"  Well, he told me to bill him for a three hour in person conference with me, in my Office, for a day that was three weeks in the past.  I said, "I don't recall that meeting".  He just said, "Don't worry, just bill me for that meeting, and use your high rates", and hung up.  I sat for a moment and wondered why he wanted me to charge him for three hours that occurred between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.  Then, I giggled, as my 'real mind' figured what had probably happened.  So, I made out the bill, and did place my highest billing rate on it, for a Complex Tax Consultation and Analysis, and sent it out.

A few weeks later, my client's Wife called, and asked about the meeting.  I said that I couldn't discuss the details very much, but since she was his wife, I made up a story about how the consultation fit in with his Businesses.  She grumbled, saying that she thought that he was stepping out on her, and I did get irate, and asked, "Are you accusing me of having an Affair with your Husband?"  She quickly backed off, saying that she knew that I was married, and certainly wouldn't have sex with a client, and just wanted to confirm what he had told her where he had been on that day, and I said, "Yes, you bet that I wouldn't do that."  She said, Ok, and hung up.  I did start laughing ...

I never brought up the issue with my client, he did pay my bill, and we had our usual attorney/client relationship.

So...I had covered up for an adulterer...

[Yvonne]

...Covering for an Adulterer...

Back when I was practicing Law, I was at that horrible firm that wasted my education and talents.  They had me cover depositions taken by Insurance companies, and I was paid $55 per hour.  My usual rate for Business Clients was $250 per hour, and I was WORTH IT!!!  This Over-Educated Panther Huntress caused a lot of problems for the opposition in cases.  But, sitting in on the depositions was boring as Hell, and all I was , was a note taking clerk.  I would just report to the Insurance Company what went on.  But, when I had a business client, my training did amazing things...plus my natural 'Pantheress' Instincts could be very creative and sneaky.

Once, I got a call from a business client, and he said that he had request for me.  I said, "Sure, what is it?"  Well, he told me to bill him for a three hour in person conference with me, in my Office, for a day that was three weeks in the past.  I said, "I don't recall that meeting".  He just said, "Don't worry, just bill me for that meeting, and use your high rates", and hung up.  I sat for a moment and wondered why he wanted me to charge him for three hours that occurred between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.  Then, I giggled, as my 'real mind' figured what had probably happened.  So, I made out the bill, and did place my highest billing rate on it, for a Complex Tax Consultation and Analysis, and sent it out.

A few weeks later, my client's Wife called, and asked about the meeting.  I said that I couldn't discuss the details very much, but since she was his wife, I made up a story about how the consultation fit in with his Businesses.  She grumbled, saying that she thought that he was stepping out on her, and I did get irate, and asked, "Are you accusing me of having an Affair with your Husband?"  She quickly backed off, saying that she knew that I was married, and certainly wouldn't have sex with a client, and just wanted to confirm what he had told her where he had been on that day, and I said, "Yes, you bet that I wouldn't do that."  She said, Ok, and hung up.  I did start laughing ...

I never brought up the issue with my client, he did pay my bill, and we had our usual attorney/client relationship.

So...I had covered up for an adulterer...

That's one way to make a guy pay for letting his little head do the thinking for his big head. 

[Izee]

...Promoting Classical Music Concerts...

When I got back into the cello in my late 20's, I took private lessons at the local University of California Music Department.  The Professor of Cello let the Head of the Music Department know that he had landed an Adult Student who had some free time.  So, I got invited to join the Music Society that Al, the Head of the Music Department ran.  It was a Non-Profit Organization, and would put on high level music performances with Professional Musicians.  I got heavily involved, and raised money for the Organization, and helped plan concerts.  I also promoted the Concerts, and as Treasurer paid all of the musicians involved.  I would read the music journals that reported on performances by traveling musicians, and bring some to the attention of Al and suggest that we book them.

One of the most memorable was the Slovak Symphonetta.  (sp)  They were from the European Country of Slovakia, which had been part of the USSR. They were too expensive for our Organization to fund, so Al talked me and my Shrink into sponsoring a concert with them.  I was scared stiff, that would cost a lot of money, and if tickets didn't sell, well we would be out of a lot of personal money.  So, I did extra advertising on the Event, and in a brief spark of sheer genius, wondered if there were any Slovakians in the area.  I did find that there was a local Club of Slovakians in a Church, and spoke to their President, and told him about the concert, and said that we would have a reception afterwards, and that anyone from his Organization would be welcome to help plan. the concert and reception  Well, he and a few other Slovakians were DELIGHTED...and we planned a VERY extensive and EXPENSIVE reception.  I had an expensive keg of Slovakian Beer brought in, and all sorts of other drinks.  The Slovak Community brought an incredible assortment of wonderful food, so we had a real FEAST available after the concert.  I had bought a bunch of little Slovakian Flags, and had them all over the reception hall.  The musicians asked if they could take them with them at the end of the reception, I said 'yes', but kept one for my Office.  They ate and drank with great gusto, and mixed with the locals very well, and would point out their hometowns on a large map of Slovakia that I had put on the wall.

The musicians were WONDERFUL, they were VERY skilled, and played all of the music very well.  I was also very pleasantly surprised that there was a large turnout, especially from the local Slovakians.  They had contacted fellow Slovakians in CA, and people from all over came to the concert.  The appearance of the musicians was interesting.  Their Principal Violinist, the Concertmaster, looked like an ugly Actor who played an Eastern European Thug who laughed as he tortured people, but he played like a God.  I mixed with all of the musicians as we set up the for the Concert, and fetched things that they needed.

After the Dress Rehearsal was over, the Concertmaster invited me to have a 'snack' in his room and talk about the music.  Well...I smiled...and declined of course.  He found someone else.  Some friends had watched, and asked if he had made a pass at me.  I, very casually, said, "Well, of course he did.  Those traveling musicians do need company at times."  My friends laughed...I chuckled, too.

I mean, if a traveling Eastern European Musician would NOT make a pass at me at that time when I was young and very cute, I'd better have my estrogen levels checked, or something...

One of the very nice side effects was that the local Slovakian Community became more active.  They invited me, a mixed breed, to Dinners and events they put on, and were wonderful people.  They did say that the Concert brought them together, and that they met more fellow Slovakians that they didn't know about, and were much more active now.

[Izee]

...Opera...

I have posted that I do not particularly care for Opera, but...I do like this one.  See what you think, it isn't very long.

https://youtu.be/s9-nd_CXhu0?si=muey6yESgf0vgk8n

At Conservatory, we did a fun concert, and I picked one of PDQ Bach's works for my friends and I to perform as one of the groups, but I can't find it on Youtube.  It was scored for Harpsicord, Cello, and two Sopranos.  I dressed up 'Overly Ornate' and slinked onto the stage, in Ultra High Heels, and sat my butt down in the chair, and stuck my endpin into a small hole on the stage.  The Sopranos also were Exotic/Erotic, the male Harpsichordist was a dull creature, dressed in black, and he just set up.  I started the work, with a slow dirge...it was a tragic song...and I kept a 'sad face' on my, well, sad face.  The Sopranos then started in, and alternated singing very tragic lyrics , with sad faces, with my tragic dirge, and the Harpsichordist, well, made the damn Harpsichord do what that piece of furniture can do. (I think that he also had a sad face, but my back was to him.)

 Later performers in the concert were, well, as tragic...

I got summoned to the Dean's Office, and got a scolding, and was told that the Conservatory was training serious musicians, not 'Entertainers', and to get the Drama Dept to let me do further such productions.

*Looks furtively around, shading my eyes*...I didn't follow his Order...i have trouble following orders...we had more Productions.   

But, he was a good sport, he actually wrote me a strong letter of recommendation for me to become the Assistant Manager of a professional Orchestra.  I did get an offer, but I also got an offer from an Accounting Firm.  I decided that it would be best to take the Accounting job, it paid a LOT MORE, but, thinking back, being involved in the Music Business would have been an experience.  *Giggles*  I probably would have left with a lot of money and a Hunk of a Husband, or been serving soup to people in a line so that I would get to sleep in the same bed at the group home in the Salvation Army.

[Izee]

mmmmmmm....BACON!!!!.....MMMMMMM   

I am up late, and got hungry.  I ate hours ago, and am going to stay up for a while, so I need to eat something.  I am watching the version of "Dune' that is on TNT.  I like it, and I got hungry.  I thought of making myself a full breakfast with some eggs , toast, and shredded potatoes to go with the bacon, but thought...HECK with the other stuff, I really just want the BACON!!!   

So. I put EIGHT pre-cooked slices of bacon into the microwave, and am eating them now.  They taste REALLY GOOD!!!  If I stay up for another couple hours, well, I will add a couple eggs to the next eight slices of bacon.  I read an interesting article about Vegetarians a few years ago.  The people who became Vegetarians when they were adults were asked what food they missed the most, and most said "Bacon".   

Funny how those little strips of very fatty pork belly taste SO GOOD!  I know that a lot of it is how it is prepared, but bacon REALLY tastes good!!!

So, I gotta remain a lapsed Catholic...other Religions don't allow you to eat bacon...

[Izee]

...Earthquakes...

I had what turned out to be an amusing event when I was working for the large Construction Company.  We built roads all over CA and NV, and our Home Office was on the top floor of a 10 Story Building we owned.  I was the Chief Beancounter, and had all sorts of Titles after my name, we had 15 different Companies we owned, and half were Union, half were Non-Union.  The Big Boss was the President of all of the Union Companies, and I was the President of the Non Union Companies, and was the Treasurer of the Holding Company.  I was in his Office, and we were on the phone with our Insurance Broker, we were discussing a Bond we needed for a large job.  We were talking, and then an EARTHQUAKE started under us, and the building began shaking.  I was ready to jump under the desk, and the Boss calmly said to the Agent, "Harry, do we have earthquake insurance on our building?"  The Agent said, "Yes, why do you ask?"  The Boss replied, "Because we are having one right now."

Thankfully, the quake stopped without causing any damage, and I just laughed for 5 minutes, I couldn't stop.

I did show some real cowardice one afternoon.  I was the President of our Trucking Company, and had NO IDEA of what the company did.  I did know how to drive a stick shift car, but if I was placed in the cab of a large truck I wouldn't know how to start it.     I was in my office, and the Receptionist said that there were SIX Truck Drivers that wanted to talk to me about problems they were having with the Manager, who REALLY ran the Trucking Company.  I told her to tell them that I was not available, and I quickly walked down the back stairs and emerged in the alley between the buildings, and beat feet for the nearest Denny's, and got into a booth in the back.  I stayed there for an hour, and came back when I was told that the men had left.

[Izee]

The Washington Monument... ...I hope that I got the name right...it is that Tall spire of white rock in DC.

Anyway, my family drove from CA to the East Coast, back when cars did NOT have AC...so I was a VERY happy pre-teen during the trip.  (NOT!!!!!!!!!!)

We were touring DC, and my parents said that we just HAD to go up to the top of the Monument.  Well, in my RIGHTOUS frustration, I looked at the line we were in.  It was VERY long.  So, I walked to the front, and looked in, and saw the elevator, it could hold about 10 people.  I walked back, and told my parents that it would be about an hour long wait.  They just nodded, and we stayed in line.  I played jacks for a while...I always had a set with me...and then got up and said that I was going to WALK to the top.  My parents just nodded, so I gather up my jacks and put them in their pouch...and...

...WALKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was in very good physical condition, and just needed a couple rest stops, and I got to the top.  I walked and looked out all of the windows, and then WALKED back down.  There was a long line to get back to the ground at the elevator.  I rejoined my Parents, they were about 20 minutes from the door, and said that it was neat up there.  So, I stayed with them, and rode the elevator to the top.  We all looked around, and then looked at the long line for the elevator.  I spoke up, saying, "Hey, the steps aren't all that bad, and you are stepping down ALL of the time." 

My Parents bought my story, and we all walked down...

...Mom had to stop a DOZEN times to rest her feet, and I just stayed on the next landing below...   Dad was NOT happy with me...

I was VERY quiet the rest of the trip, and my parents didn't believe ANYTHING I said...

[Izee]

I ranted a while ago about how it seemed that the Gov'ts in SF and Oakland are encouraging anarchy by their 'catch and release' policies and reclassifying Felonies as Misdemeanors or mere Infractions.  So people and businesses are fleeing the Bay Area, leaving what used to be valuable properties behind.  Well, guess what is happening?

Those vacant buildings are being purchased for very cheap prices, and then being turned into nice housing and locked up boutiques.  I spoke a while ago about going to a women's clothing store I liked, and it was marked 'Open', but the door was locked.  A clerk walked to the door, and looked me over, and then pressed a button and I was let in.  The door was locked behind me.  So, the News and other Programming Facilities speak about 'Gentryfying' the ghettos.  Hells Bells, those places were NOT in a 'ghetto'...until the businesses left because of the crime and shoplifting.  And, the 'Enlightened Rulers' say that a Shopkeeper can't use a weapon to protect his store.  So, of course the THUGS are just going to walk in, and walk out with ALL that they can carry.

I studied Law, and it is legal, according to English Common Law, to use Deadly Force to protect a business.  And, OF COURSE IT SHOULD BE!!!  I value human life, but a person who tries to pillage a business is asking for it, if they resist.  I am not saying that we should shoot children who pocket a candy bar, but when a man is facing a mob intent on stealing everything that isn't nailed down, well...that is another thing!  People back off when someone is holding a gun!

So, it kinda looks like there was a plot to temporarily devalue property values for a while, by letting thugs run wild under the guise of 'Compassion'...and now that the devalued properties are being bought up...the thugs are being locked up and the Mayors are calling for 'Law and Order'.

So, as they say...

...I shoulda gotten in while the gettin was GOOD!!!

BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now that the businesses are being re-opened, the Police are being told to enforce the Law.  The Mayors of SF and Oakland are calling to crack down on crime!!!  It is because the Rich People came in and bought all of the properties, and are telling the DAMN Politicians to enforce the Laws. 

[Izee]

...WAFFLES!!!!  Just gotta talk about WAFFLES!!!

As a young child, I was VERY fussy about what I ate, so I didn't eat very much.  So, I was very skinny, the School Nurses would look me over to see if I had a problem.  Mom would pack me a healthy lunch, and I would just eat the carrots and celery and throw the rest away.  I was always looking forward to Wednesday...the school lunch was a HAMBURGER!!  I would eat the hamburger, and throw away the rest.  I would feel ashamed, Mom would scold me about how grateful I should be over having nice food, but being a child...it just didn't register on me.

But, on weekends, Dad would make WAFFLES!!!  I would get up early and wait in the kitchen, in my pajamas, and be happy when he brought out the waffle iron.  I would sit, and offer to help, but he wouldn't let me do much.  So, I just watched. 

The first waffle was for the birds, back then you had to put oil on the iron so the batter wouldn't stick, and the first waffle wasn't very good.  But, I would help peel the second waffle off the iron, and set it on my plate.  Butter and syrup followed, and well...nothing more was needed.  Mom would say I should add fruit and jellies, but NO!!!  Butter and syrup was enough...I eagerly ate the waffle.  So, I always had a nice breakfast on the weekends.

Dad was well aware of my love for his waffles, so, when I came home from breaks at College...I got waffles.     It even extended to when I got married, and visited with my H and my children.  He would pull the waffle iron out, mix the batter, and make waffles for me and my family. 

... ...He tried to teach me to make waffles, and I even carefully watched him, and wrote out a recipe.  I made them for my roommates in college, and they LOVED them...but I didn't think that they tasted quite right.  So, I was ALWAYS happy to visit, and get a waffle.  I seriously think that we don't perceive reality.  I think that there is an 'energy side' of us that registers things that our blood and muscle bodies just can't sense.  And, we can transfer that energy, and receive that energy from others.  So, Dad was putting HIS energy into the waffles.  That may explain Chefs...they can fix the same dish with the same ingredients...but some taste MUCH better.

A dear memory to me...

Dad got brain cancer, and he stayed at home.  I visited as much as I could...but...not as much as I wanted to.  I had a family, and lived in another town, and was a busy Trial Lawyer, and very active in Classical Music and 4-H.  So, the weekends got far apart.  I could see him failing...he was VERY strong, and refused to go into a Clinic, and was busy in the house.

Then, came that last weekend.  He was very weak, and didn't talk or visit much.  But...on Sunday morning...

...He brought out the waffle iron.  He waved me away when I said I could make it, and I just sat, and watched.  And...

...He made me a waffle!!!   

I was delighted, and put butter and syrup on it, and ate it, and hugged and kissed him, and cleaned things up.

I cried when he passed...and part of it was because he wouldn't ever make me a waffle again.

Waffles...

[Izee]

...'Fingering' the cello...

There you are, with the chunk of lumber between your legs, and you have to figure out which finger on your left hand to use to play a note.  So, for instance, on the A String you can play a B, C, and D naturals in the first position.  You just drop your 1st, 2nd, and 4th finger.  You can also slightly move a finger to make a note sound sharper or flatter.  To play higher notes on the A string, you have to move your hand down the neck of the cello.  The most common higher position is 5th Position, your thumb is at the base of the neck, and the bottom side of your hand is actually touching the shoulder of the cello.  Then, comes "Thumb Position", where you move your whole hand onto the fingerboard, and lay the side of your thumb on a note, often the A natural, and the fingers can do their stuff.

But, when playing a passage, which finger do you place on a note?  That is where you have to figure out how to 'finger' a passage.  And, being cellists, we need to be reminded of how to play a passage.  So, we would write the numbers from 1 to 4 above the note to tell us which finger to use.  In fast passages, you REALLY had to plan what to do, because you wanted to get the notes in tune, and also to keep that hand in the same place on the neck of the cello so you just didn't wander away into 'Out of TUNE LAND'. 

Once, I was feeling very ornery.  I knew that my Private Cello Teacher, Alan, who was the Professor of Cello, would sit with me at a Concert.  I was the Principal Cellist, but the Conductor would bring Alan in to strengthen the section.  I agreed with his decision, the other five cellists were rank amateurs who didn't practice enough.  So, on a Respigi Overture, I wrote in the most RIDICULOUS fingerings I could think of.     He came to the Rehearsal, and we got into the work.  The Conductor stopped the Orchestra at times, to work with a section, and Alan STARED  at me.  "Ah, are you REALLY playing those measure like that?" he whispered.  I smiled, and whispered back, "Yes, I think it sounds more expressive."  It was a bunch of 16th notes, in a quick tempo, so you really didn't hear them, you just heard some noise.

*SIGHS*     He 'PULLED RANK ' on me, and took the music with him and wrote in more correct fingerings.  I pretended to have trouble with how he had fingered it, and he just growled..."You need a two hour lesson on this work, and I will charge my higher rates."

I followed his fingerings...

[Izee]

...Soaring with the Eagles!!!!   

When I was flying sailplanes, I was ALWAYS very attentive to what was going on around me...especially when I was in the trainer.  The cockpit was in the nose of the fuselage, and the big honking wing was on top, so you couldn't see behind you.  There actually were mirrors, but I just didn't like them.  The little HP sailplane had the cockpit on TOP of the fuselage, and the canopy was clear, so you could see ALL around you.  I was in the trainer, and had found a good thermal, and got up to 8,000 feet.  The thermal then wimped out, and I straightened out from circling, and looked around.  I was watching for other aircraft, and also looking for hawks and eagles.  They find thermals very easily, Scientists actually think that they may be able to sense or actually see them.  Seeing birds like that circling means that they found one.  Next time you see hawks or eagles circling, watch them...they are not flapping their wings...but they are staying up.  They are in a thermal. 

So, I spotted a pair, about 1,000 yards away, and flew towards them.  I only lost about 500 feet of altitude, and entered the thermal.  In a sailplane, you know when you enter a thermal, even without looking at the rate of climb meter.  If a wing enters it, thermals are tight columns of rising air, it gets pushed up, and so you turn the plane on it's side, and turn towards the rising wing, and circle.  If you blunder straight into a thermal, well, you butt tells you, you feel a HUGH push from below, and you can turn in either direction.  If you turn away from the thermal, you immediately know, the air flows down around a thermal, you feel it and the rate of climb meter lets you know, so you haul on the rudder and the joystick and do a hard turn in the other direction, and usually you can find the thermal.

Anyway, I settled into a gentle circle, not banked too steep, and after a few turns, the eagles joined me.  I guess they were curious, or wondering if they could get to the 'snack' inside the big white bird.  That was a wonderful moment...we circled for about five minutes...and they left.  They were right beside my cockpit while we soared, I smiled and waved and spoke to them as we flew.  Soaring was so much fun.

Later in life, I let a client talk me into letting him give me flying lessons in return for my legal services.  That didn't last too long...quite frankly...I did NOT enjoy flying a little single prop plane.  It was noisy, and you had to wear a set of headphones and hear chatter, and you just flew straight.  I got scolded a lot when I first started doing turns, I did a turn like I was in a sailplane and turned the plane on it's side, pointing the wing at the ground as I pressed on the rudder.  My Instructor SHOUTED...

...HANDS OFF!!!!...

And so I let go, and pulled my feet off the rudders.  He straightened the plane out and asked me..."What the HELL were you doing?"  I was nervous, and I said, "Turning the plane".  He calmed down, and said, "We are not in a dogfight, this is how you turn", and did a very gentle turn, the wings were almost level.  I said, "OK", and after that flew that way.  But, as I said, it was boring, so I told him that I did not want to get a flying license.

Good thing that I never became a Commercial Pilot...flying a Boing 747 like a Schroeder 1-26 would have gotten me thrown in jail...