Last night, I was scheduled to do my Instrument Proficiency Check, the one which was originally supposed to be Monday, but which got grounded by paperwork . An hour before the flight, the instructor calls. Guess what: no paperwork.

'C'mon, guys, this has been three days and two cancelled flights so far. Don't you think this is getting a little silly?

"Is there someone I can scream at?" I asked the instructor.

"Well, our general manager has gone home for the day, but you don't seem like the screaming type."

"That's OK. Just grab a 'While You Were Out' slip and tell him I called and screamed at you on the phone. For a good twenty minutes."

"Ah," said my flight instructor. "Do you want me to say that you made me cry, too?"

"You can embellish if you like."

It was a nice evening, however, so I did go for a short flight--solo--to practice landings and night flying. It feels good to dust off the wings.