Ballooning starts early. Light was just breaking (mostly in my imagination) when baskets are already being lowered from the back of pickup trucks. Teamwork and cooperation are essential. Balloons are unloaded, laid out on the ground, and filling begins. The main body of balloon-filling air initially is supplied by large powerful fans run on generators. Once the balloon is partially filled, the “dragon flame” begins, filling the rest of the balloon with hot air. The colder it is outside, the thicker the air, and the better the ballooning. With our 100 degree F, 38 degrees C as consistent daily high temps, even the 5 AM (yes I was there at 5 AM) air is pleasant.

I will miss blogging about the Erie Balloon Festival 2024. As a criminal defense attorney for 48 years, some might say I have much in common with a balloon filled with hot air! Who am I to argue? I am not a fan of self-assessment. Artists frequently are blocked by self-judgement as are writers. Personally I would benefit from a looser use of my art media. My obsessive personality makes that  a major challenge. Perhaps if I stick to only large brushes! Hard to obsess over detail with a large brush. Painting with a palette knife accomplishes the same anti-obsessive POV point of view.

While arguably quick to “fly off the handle” the crowd was friendly, delightful, and the Erie PD was on-scene as needed. Mostly they were spreading good will.

And then there are the balloons!

I think this balloonist is getting a morning tan and a morning shave at the same time!

Flames offer great photo ops as these two dragons get ready to take off. Even gliders are supposed to yield to hot air balloons.

I’ve been in small planes, a glider, and a helicopter twice. Time to go for a balloon flight!

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com