Tropical Wisconsin

Here We Go Again

2007-12-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Greetings to all far and wide. From a guy who is just wide. I get to visit old haunts again in the new year. With the new trip I find myself falling into some habits. One I have starting scanning the area again. I look for cover when I walk down the street. I am wary of slow moving cars, and for god sake do not tailgate me. I have told my daughter that it is just a long business trip. I am pretty sure she knows something is up since I am gathering my gear and prepping some things. I have taken a liking to my angry music again. I have not told her where yet, but will after Christmas. On the good side I was to leave on 6 Jan but that has been pushed due to scheduling conflicts with Uncle Sam. That might change again depending on how bad they want the job done. This next time I will keep my gear at home for a while. So if you want to feel what the troops have to wear and how heavy it is come on by when I get back. For those concerned I will not officially tell the extended family unless directly asked. This trip is different though. I only have to stay as long as it takes me to change out equipment and software at a few sites. That means the faster I can get around the country the faster I get home. Best case I will be 3 weeks in the country. Worst case could be 2 months. I can't say I am thrilled to go back but I know going in that I have an exit plan. In other news we have two new dogs and are down to 14 chickens. We will reconstitute the flock this spring.

Ours not to make reply,
Ours not to reason why,
Ours but to do

Remember life is how you look at it.

Shades of grey

2007-10-26T08:39:00.001-07:00

Since returning to the daily rigors of work, we have made some changes in the office. The mood is tight, the workers are moody, the management is spotty, and the deadlines tight. I love the sounds of deadlines make as they go whizzing by. I am on a forgotten project on my own with little direction, or care that it can not be done. Within the time frame. My college came to the not so great white north as the official sacrificial lamb for University of Wisconsin this year. I expected a complete blowout, and all I hoped for was a respectable score. At mid point of the game they were tied. We were quite pleased the 400 or so fans in light blue. There were 79500 fans in red. There were two young UW fans seated behind me the daughter and a niece who is at UW as a student. They were rude and made stupid comments throughout the first quarter of the game. I finial turned to them and said, we know we are going to lose, and have a fine tradition of losing so please just shut up. They were better for the rest of the game. We did lose but the fans were pleased with the game play of the boys in blue. Since then they have only dropped one game and hope is starting to bloom for the team. Being a long sufferer of the college most know this will only lead to pain.

Rumors still fly about a return trip to either Iraq or Afghanistan. I think neither will happen. I also might be on the training team to prep for the upcoming release around the Army. I would be happy just to create the training. That will probably not happen either. I will have to get myself together to be a coder for the next year. I am signing up for a class and will start to redo my skills in Nov. Projects at home are in finial stages, one room is redone mostly, electricity has been restored to the out buildings partially, Some decluttering has be undertaken. I designed and built a storage bed for the wife. It needs only some touch up paint. Firewood is in the planning phase, I have plans in my head for the work shop. Lots of small things still need to be done. Attached are a few pictures of the past few months.

Bucky Badger. Daughter wanted to take a picture with him but was afraid he would hit her for wearing the other teams colors

Tied at half time

The Girls surrounded

Pockets of baby blue in a sea of red

Out numbered

Olive the Fashion plate

Remember this while you change for bed

Back in the USA

2007-08-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry to anyone who read this meandering drivel. I got side tracked by so many things that it was hard to get in any frame of mind to post at all. The last few months of my deployment were hard in several ways. From problems with replacements, paperwork hassles, pesky Taliban attacks, training problems, problems with customs, and just a general angry feeling that came over me. I have been home almost 2 months now and adjusting seems to be going well. I have calmed down a bit, and am more stable in my emotions. For a while I felt as if everything was out to get me. The cats even seemed to be hostile, but time has calmed me and the cats.

The Good Idea Fairy touched the higher ups a week after I got home.

http://pvtmurphy.com/
I spent a week on vacation, one week at work and then was sent for 2 weeks to train some guys. After the first week there they asked if I would go to Iraq for a few months. Starting 1 July. After some thought and macho chest beating I said no. Not now maybe in a few months after I get back to normal.

I'm just not ready to go back to the Secret Squirrel world just yet. Maybe soon but not now. the toll it took on my daughter and wife is not worth it. I know there are others paying a higher price, and I am not ready to pay it myself. The dear wife says I have done my part. Well, that maybe be true but, I can still do more, we'll see. All for now, I did get some great in my humble opinion shots, I will post those later.

I'm still here

2007-03-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I've been rather caught up with events lately. I will get an update as to the happenings of late, but as of now lets just say I miss the USA, and will be on red mud in about 54 days. Then to frozen ground (not by then) in about 60.

I'm Special

2006-12-20T02:51:00.000-08:00

Mama always said I was autistic uh I mean artistic. I am slightly sick and was bored. We are making grand plans now. I think we could still pull off the Europe trip. And get the tax break. Still too early to tell but anyway. Here are some patches I had made. Sometimes an idea will pop into the dark parts of my mind and I have to do it. They are not always winners but sometimes they are good. In my humble opinion. See what you think.

Screen saver on my computer to read by

South Carolina flag on a hat

Big Red the flag of The Citadel on another hat

Just a patch that popped into my head, not as pleased as I thought I would be with it

Patch made for hats for the Inlaws

Patch I had made for my uniform

Week before Christmas

2006-12-18T05:09:00.000-08:00

Twas the week before Christmas, and all through Afghanistan, the bombs were falling, the Taliban were all shaking, quivering in their beds, knowing that death would rain down on their heads. Ma in her burka and me in my crap, I had just settled down to my IED map. When out in the yard there arose such a explosion, I had to ask Ala what the hell it was. The infidels had found me and were out for blood. I had tried and failed to kill them now they had my ass. Merry Christmas

Not a pleasant Christmas poem I know, as we prepare for the festivities of the holiday season, know that others plot the demise of our cultures and lives. There is no living with these people, no peace on earth for those who are not willing to fight for it. Give peace a chance is becoming a chant again. We gave peace a chance and have prayed for it all these years. It has brought us Lebanon, Bosnia, Somalia, Iran, deaths and kidnaps. Yeah peace has worked so well. Peace, to some is our destruction. I will not give these people a chance to destroy all that I love. I will fight, and give what I need to defeat them. I am no longer a soldier, but my family is a family of soldiers. In the last 200 years we have had members in service for most of it. When the call has been made we answer it. We have and will shed blood for our beliefs, right or wrong, only history has the luxury to decide for sure. We have had members of the family in uniform for every war we have had. We have not always fought but we have been there to help. We can trace back to the Revolutionary War on the Southern battle lines as Johnny Reb. We had members in France in WWI and relatives beating back the Blitzkrieg in Europe. My Father was in Uniform for all of the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. Me and my sister served during the Cold War. I was in uniform for Gulf War and trained to fight the Cold War against Russia. I will not pretend that all America has done in our history is righteous and good. America has blood on its hands for so many things, it can be sickening to think about. But, our transgressions are not as onerous as those who came before, or been against us. If as they say this war was over oil then we could have chosen easier, closer targets than these.

This place can get to you after a while, as the unit I’m with prepares to go home all the talk is of what they will do when they get home. Most run along the lines of drunken debauchery, and pornographic dreams, I can’t blame them. As I have those same fantasies and weaknesses. Don't call or visit for a few days after my return. I have the last packages ready to send home. They will be well after CHristmas. I got a box from the lovely wife and daughter Saturday, and another from my sister in-law and mother in-law today. and have serious pangs to be at home in front of hearth and fire, with my loved ones around. I was told today that I will be moving B-Huts soon as they prepare to leave. I will move in with the other civilians to keep us all together. I will miss these guys, you can’t live this long with someone and not have some connection. Although not everyone in this hut talks to each other. Also I found out that my replacement will be here in Mid February, which means I could be home by the first part of March. That’s about 6 weeks before my magic date, so the question is how much is it worth to be home. Right now that is priceless, plus I have two months to get serious about my studies.

Bad picture of gazebo decorated for the season

Snow man and tree decorated by the Martha Steward of Afghanistan

Inside the gazebo

Tree of light in center of gazebo

Santa sent to Avn Bde by school in the states.

Hats I had made for the in-laws, they have a polka band.

I'm back

2006-12-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Hello again, I sorry I have not updated in a while. But as you can guess life has been one exciting adventure after another. From my meeting with Osama, and secret missions into the mountains I 've had very little time. Well that’s what I’d like to think anyway. Truth is I have had a sever bout of lack of energy. Or as they say around here my give a damn is broken. Since our last little chat by the glow of your screen, I’ve been to Kabul, Khowst, and middle of no where. We had to bring back the black box from Kabul. We some how bummed a ride to Kabul while having lunch. Some guys were up picking up Suburbans and I talked my way into a ride. Which allowed us a night at ISAF HQ. Better food and two beers. Got to love working with NATO. The British took us to the Air port. From there we tried to fly it back to here. We first had to as the Americans, who said that was the Brit’s job. The Brit’s said they only handled people, ask the German’s. The German’s said all coordination is through the Turk’s, who made us drag the box over to them. They then said okay take it back to the Americans who said good give ti to the Brit’s, who then said ok leave it by the baggage and we’ll take care of it. Got to love working with NATO. So we rolled it back to the terminal and waited. Once on the C130 it was a 15 minute flight back here. Unload go find a truck. While having coffee at the USO before we got the truck Pop Eye showed up in honor of the grand reopening of the restaurant. The trip to Khowst lucked out as a one day trip in at dawn out at sun set. Other that those two trips nothing special. Things will pick up soon and more work I guess. Right now they have hired my replacement and she will be here in January or February. That means I might be home early. No official because they said something about a large amount of overlap. If I can make it to end of March that would be great. Had a scare the other night one of my room mates passed out around midnight, He wanted me to wake him at midnight because he works nights and did not want to mess up his sleep schedule on his day off. Woke him and he wanted to go outside for a smoke. Once outside he said I don’t feel well. Sat down said I feel light headed and did a header into the gravel. I got him up and back to his room, went to get his glasses. Came back he said I’m bleeding, got the flashlight and checked scraps on his face and blood behind his ear. Looked at the ear and he had some how tore the top part of his ear from his head. I could see the cartilage and the skin inside. Took him to the Emergency room, and they stitched him up after lots of tests. At one point he had a bp of 55 / 22. Great, turns out he was dehydrated and had not eaten for 18 hours other than some snacks. They gave him the last two days off. I have to wake him soon. I spent parts of yesterday and today Christmas shopping. It is hard to find 10 Burkas in different colors, plus the fashions of them are hard to keep track of. I found It hard to find the right piece of gravel for the right person. We had a snow storm for 3 days, well a mixture of rain snow and wet snow. Made life that much better here. It has turned cold and that’s fun to. In two or so months we have had a 100 degree swing in temperature.

Well more later.

Click image for larger picture.

The Navy guys just keep getting older.

All the poop sucker trucks have names this one is the Contessa Linda. My SIL will be so proud

Mecca Burger in Kabul

My co worker with an angry cat in Kabul

We loaded the black box on a armored Toyota it flatten out the springs.

Malaria Eddie re-enlisting

Snow on the B Hut

Large snowman between the B-Huts

The Brown mountains are now white.

MEME

2006-10-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Jumping Jesus on A Pogo stick

Its been a month without writiing.

All is going well except I don't know when I come home. Could be Feb Apr or Jun. No one knows, They are hiring my replacement now to train up them and the unit coming but they can't tell me when that person will get here. More than likely I will stay until these guys go home but I really don't know.

Things I never thought I'd say

2006-09-11T23:47:00.000-07:00

This week has been an interesting one. I’ve said a few things I never ever thought I would, and learned a few stupid things. The following items I’ve uttered; Eddie has malaria, How do you say where the F*&$ is it in Romanian, No you can’t search that (Here’s the papers that say why), (after an explosion) no lets wait until we hear the siren, Oh look where the car bomb went off is where we were standing 3 weeks ago.

We went to Kandahar to update and train people. This was after a bad weekend there one plane crash and a friendly fire incident. We get there and the first night had a rocket attack. Fairly common place in some areas. The general feel was oh again, ok mosey to the bunker. Well its hot in there, just hang around the edge because the way it goes is they fire off two or three quickly and then the base sounds the alarm. So by the time you get to the bunker its over. Waited there for the all clear and mosey back to the room. Kandahar is a large spread out base way down in the southern part of the country. We rode down on a C17 so no pictures, there were two armored 5 tons in the plane wit us and they bounced and rattled the whole flight. Once on the ground had to find the area we need to work in. Took a little time carrying all the gear and such. Anyway found it got lodging and started working. All went well until I went to find the 3^rd computer we needed. No where on base. The guy I replaced had brought it back to BAF and not revised the reports so I’ve thinking it was there for 4 months. Then arranged to get to Qalat. Called them and they said computers what computers we don’t have no stinking computers. The unit that pulled out of there took them to their new FOB (Forward Operating Base). A brand new FOB really in the middle of nowhere. This should be fun. Kandahar is hot but it is starting to cool It was only 100 while we were there instead of the 130 it has been most of the summer. The partner was juiced because they have a Pizza Hut there. He had 4 pizzas in 3 days. Me I liked the Tim Horton’s doughnut shop and the Canadians had an ice cream shop. The first chocolate ice cream in 5 months. Nice but it got on my new white shirt ( don’t ask). Work done there and tried to get home. Bumped off the first flight, along with a SF guy on his way to Germany to get The German Medal of Honor. Man what did he do, didn’t ask. So hung around and hoped to get on a flight that might have room. We did, this whole time I was carrying adozen dough nut to the office for the guys. Well dough nuts don’t travel well in my shoulder bag, and they were an interesting sight when we landed. It is really boring here, work is boring, and most of the troops are ready to go, I have 6 to 9 months left. I bought some programming books off Amazon to try and study and get a Java certification before I get home. I would dearly love a trip home but alas I am deemed to important for a trip home. Lies all lies. Its just no one else wants to come here even for a few weeks. Lobby congress, call a priest, talk to mailman, post a lost and found for my sanity, get me out of here for a little while.

I’ve posted two of my favorite quotes at the office

WARNING NOT SUITABLE FOR SANE MINDS

Give a man fire he will be warm all day. Set a man on fire he will be warm the rest of his life.

We are all born naked, screaming, and covered in blood. If you live right that sort of things doesn’t have to end.

This surprised me

Jingle truck

Canadian Armored tourest bus (not really)

The Young British Soldier

2006-08-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

When the 'arf-made recruity goes out to the East

'E acts like a babe an' 'e drinks like a beast,

An' 'e wonders because 'e is frequent deceased

   Ere 'e's fit for to serve as a soldier.

      Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,

      Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,

      Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,

         So-oldier OF the Queen!

Now all you recruities what's drafted to-day,

You shut up your rag-box an' 'ark to my lay,

An' I'll sing you a soldier as far as I may:

   A soldier what's fit for a soldier.

      Fit, fit, fit for a soldier . . .

First mind you steer clear o' the grog-sellers' huts,

For they sell you Fixed Bay'nets that rots out your guts --

Ay, drink that 'ud eat the live steel from your butts --

   An' it's bad for the young British soldier.

      Bad, bad, bad for the soldier . . .

When the cholera comes -- as it will past a doubt --

Keep out of the wet and don't go on the shout,

For the sickness gets in as the liquor dies out,

   An' it crumples the young British soldier.

      Crum-, crum-, crumples the soldier . . .

But the worst o' your foes is the sun over'ead:

You must wear your 'elmet for all that is said:

If 'e finds you uncovered 'e'll knock you down dead,

   An' you'll die like a fool of a soldier.

      Fool, fool, fool of a soldier . . .

If you're cast for fatigue by a sergeant unkind,

Don't grouse like a woman nor crack on nor blind;

Be handy and civil, and then you will find

   That it's beer for the young British soldier.

      Beer, beer, beer for the soldier . . .

Now, if you must marry, take care she is old --

A troop-sergeant's widow's the nicest I'm told,

For beauty won't help if your rations is cold,

   Nor love ain't enough for a soldier.

      'Nough, 'nough, 'nough for a soldier . . .

If the wife should go wrong with a comrade, be loath

To shoot when you catch 'em -- you'll swing, on my oath! --

Make 'im take 'er and keep 'er:  that's Hell for them both,

   An' you're shut o' the curse of a soldier.

      Curse, curse, curse of a soldier . . .

When first under fire an' you're wishful to duck,

Don't look nor take 'eed at the man that is struck,

Be thankful you're livin', and trust to your luck

   And march to your front like a soldier.

      Front, front, front like a soldier . . .

When 'arf of your bullets fly wide in the ditch,

Don't call your Martini a cross-eyed old bitch;

She's human as you are -- you treat her as sich,

   An' she'll fight for the young British soldier.

      Fight, fight, fight for the soldier . . .

When shakin' their bustles like ladies so fine,

The guns o' the enemy wheel into line,

Shoot low at the limbers an' don't mind the shine,

   For noise never startles the soldier.

      Start-, start-, startles the soldier . . .

If your officer's dead and the sergeants look white,

Remember it's ruin to run from a fight:

So take open order, lie down, and sit tight,

   And wait for supports like a soldier.

      Wait, wait, wait like a soldier . . .

When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,

And the women come out to cut up what remains,

Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains

   An' go to your Gawd like a soldier.

      Go, go, go like a soldier,

      Go, go, go like a soldier,

      Go, go, go like a soldier,

         So-oldier of the Queen!

Rudyard Kipling

1/4 way done

2006-08-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

I guess I can mark the quarter way done mark. It’s not really bad here. I have a place to sleep and hot showers and decent food, even if they can’t figure out what should go together on the menu. Like the other night lasagna and Chinese food night.

It is interesting to see how the new Army does things. To see how much computers have taken over the process we used to do with plastic sheets and grease pencils. It’s also sad to see how much time is spent on slides and briefing prep instead of analysis and collecting. The equipment is better than I had, but the loads you carry are way up. Protective armor, full battle load and weapon by themselves weigh 55 lbs. Add to that all of the gear we carried and body load can reach 150 lbs. The Hummers that were agile in the old days strain under the weight of the add on armor. They have added AC to the vehicles so you don’t roll down the windows. Gunner positions have been enclosed. The vehicles bristle with antennas to get the latest comms.

Personally it has been ups and down. Seeing the caskets go by as we stand and salute our fallen is very sad. Homesickness creeps in on occasion. We were told only two locations and very little travel. It is up to 10 or 12 locations and travel is hard to come by. For the future they should omit things from their orders they don’t stand by. It would lessen confusion and not make for hard feelings. The time frame is unsure. We were told a year, but it may end in Feb or Mar. No one has been able to say if the next group will fall in on the equipment here. If they do then no one seems to be planning to train them on the system stateside. That leaves more travel for me and a delay in getting them up to speed.

There does seem to be improvements in the country but still fighting in parts. Forces are moving into areas little touched over the past 3 years and that spurs some conflict. 10^th MTN DIV (LI) is halfway through and the strain is showing, long hours, same thing is fraying nerves and personalities that back home you could leave after work are always with you. The young troops are tired and still fairly new to the Army. The older ones have maturity to fall back on but the new ones don’t have the life experience to cope sometimes. Sometimes this place is very garrison, and does things like soldier of the month boards, 10K’s, PT tests and intramural sports. But then you hear the choppers coming and going all day and night. The A-10’s going on strafing runs and prowlers flying over really low and fast. These remind you that this isn’t garrison.

That's how I see it

your Man in the STAN

Kabul

2006-08-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

We installed a server in the wonderful magical land of ISAF. ISAF is the multinational arm of the forces of Afghanistan. It is commanded by NATO right now, with a British General in charge. The trip was interesting to say the lease. The case was too large for a Hummer so we had to find another way to get it there. We rode with KBR in an armored pickup. It looks similar to an armored Wells Fargo bank truck. We got half way there and a Hummer escort blew a radiator hose in the worst place possible. It looked to me to be the perfect ambush site. We sat there for 30 minutes pissing off all the locals on the highway. We toed the hummer back to BAF, waited 30 minutes and took off again minus one escort. We made it to Kabul okay, but there are no traffic rules in this place so driving in the city was fun. Once there we were still 15 miles from our finial destination, called ISAF they said spend the night and they’ll get us in the morning. The Brits came in their little armored cars called snatches. The case was 1 inch too large for the doors in the rear. We gutted it and fit the parts in back then tied the case to the roof. Across Kabul we went with a large crate tied to the roof. Once on ISAF HQ they unloaded us and we got ready to move it to where it was going to go. Luck would have it was upstairs. The damn thing weighs 500 lbs and the stairs were narrow and it was a bitch moving it up there. Then the problems began, Secret Squirrel Stuff. Anyway that left us there for 7 days, not that it was a bad place to be. The Europeans know how to live in a war zone. The room we had they apologized for because it was one of their worst, man it was the best place I’ve seen here. The SGT was shocked when I told him it was 100 times better than our normal huts. The food was great, real cheese, cappuccino machine in the mess hall, fresh bread and fruits. Our selection is better but their food was better. Although if you eat the same thing all the time it does get old, but a change is great. They had a park like place with café tables and gazebos all around to relax and sip your coffee or beer. Yes they had beer, two beers a day you are allowed only during a short time at night. But even though I’m not a big drinker I figured when in Rome. Anyway I hung out at the British pub and tried a different one each night. Never made it to the Germans I guess I should have but oh well next time. The currency of use was the Euro which means for every $20 you get 16 Euro. Their stores sucked and out of my price range, plus they did not take credit cards for purchases under 150 Euro. We walked to the American base for some work (about 3 blocks) the kids we on the street hocking wears but we talked our way though. After a week of stone wall tactics by the IT department we came back to BAF. We were running out of laundry, and patience. After the red tape is done we will go and finish.

Armored pickup

Blown hose in the middle of nowhere

Loading the case on the snatch

Our room they apologized for

The Distilled garden

Nonsensible Rambleings of a Wasted Mind

2006-07-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Amazing you don’t feel old until comparisons are made. I don’t feel my age most days, I feel the same as I always have. I maybe wiser than I was, (shut up) But when we talk around here I find out one I would be retired by now if I went in after High School, be a Major by now if I would have come in right after college, or be on my last tour if I would have stayed in. Most of the E-4 and below would have been my students when I was teaching. The guys in the hut are pretty good. Helped some with some remodeling gives you a little more room to rearrange some. The oldest in the hut is 26, His mom is 45 holy crap. One girl is 19 gez I have socks older. Nice girl naive and unsullied nature. Ah, let the jading begin. Nothing new on the job front I did get the server moved and built doors for it. One of the most enjoyable things I’ve done building. Putting it in was an adventure. The network was configured wrong dead lines, and a drill happy Major who hit a power line and knocked out half of the Operations Center. Waiting still on the shipment. Supposed to travel with it tomorrow, but if its not here I guess we stay put. My partner has a new friend I call it Haji cat but he has no named it yet. We give it water, cheese, and tuna. Speaking of food the chow has gotten worse lately. They have a weird way of creating menus. It will be Mexican night with most of the sides covering that and then have Swiss steak with it. We had corned beef one night, then three days later the cabbage came. We have stayed put for the month, I am waiting on an outpost to call and say they have upgraded. I don’t want to go back there, Pez is kind of a pain to travel with. I’m torn between what to do If I go down there I can assure that its done but I would miss the shipment. If I don’t hear by the end of week I will go and get it done and spiral out from there. My neck still hurts but its better. The back cracker is working on me. Have added about 80 songs to the IPod bringing the count to 292 some new most oldies. Doobies, Doors, Dire Straits, etc I know oldies depends on when you were young I was going with the current terms. I don’t have a TV and movies and the IPod are my diversions. I hear that the new pirates movie can be gotten at the Bazaar. They can’t get good roads, good treatment of each other here but you can get bootlegged movies almost as quick as they come out in the theater.

they put up the flags outside of the building I do some work in.

I did not buy it but will ask the wife if she wants a special outfit

Camel at the Bazaar $2 for picture

Get the most for your money

Me and Haji Cat

Another week in Paradise

2006-07-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

Well another week in paradise, (for someone, somewhere else). Here the weather is constant, hot in the day cools off in the evening. It is windy almost all the time. Everything has a light coat of dust. The two good things this week was I got up the nerve to ask the PX (think very small Wal Mart) if I could have a broken chair that has been outside for the last month. They said sure. The only problem was a broken seat. I scavenged some plywood and made a new seat, then for style I bought an Afghan pillow case for $3 and a small pillow for $2. I then made a nice cushion with the stuffing from the pillow and covered with the pillow case. The left over plywood I added to the footlocker desk, so now I can sit like a real person and type. Then the same day I was talking to the Captain about the horrors of having to shot someone. And I mentioned I had the authority to carry a defensive weapon. She said, oh I was worried about you guys lets see if we can get you one. We went to the Supply area and they said sure, before you go on a mission come and get a M16 and ammo. Plus they are going to send me to the range to get it dialed in and get some practice. Two good things in one day, plus we had a very good phone call with the girls back home. We started discussing the possibility that I may get a week off. What I would like to do is have the girls meet me in Europe, and travel through Poland, Austria, Germany or any place really. We are in the beginning stages of the planning. And since it is a might it may not happen. One week is not enough time to come home, so meeting would be nice. If they can’t do it I was thinking of Scotland or Poland alone. Of course if there is something good there must be bad as well. I have a large project to do, pinched nerve in my neck, getting ready for NATO, and a good bit of travel to come. The places are some small and some large, some unsettled and some quite stable. The US is handing off the south to NATO and there is much planning and getting ready to be done. Looks like I will be working with some of these countries soon. More travel that we do not know about yet. It does break of the boredom. At least we get to get off base. There are people who have not left in 5 months and are starting to get cabin fever. Strange thing also this week I got a class email stating one of our class rings (89) was on E-Bay. When I got there it was already sold for $750 that more than twice we paid for them. The next day I learned someone in our class bought it. I think its kind of cool, and wonder whose it is. They all have our names in them. Friday I bought some DVD’s at the bizarre. Three for $9 they include UltraViolet (stupid), Wedding Crashers (somewhat funny), and The Brake Up (not watched yet). They are of course bootlegged, in one half way through you can see the shadow of some guy getting up to leave. The pictures are from Salerno just click on them for larger versions.

Afghan Ant they run around everywhere with their tails in the air

The Salerno Hilton

Afghan Bakery on base (flat bread like pizza crust)

Orchard on base

Mosque center of base

NFL players and cheerleaders getting off chopper

My new chair

Afghan by air

2006-07-04T00:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting. I was at FOB Salerno. Stuck there for 8 days. It is about 125 miles south east and 10 miles from Pakistan. It was hot and had thunderstorms every day but two we were there. The Friday before we went to Ghanzi to deliver a laptop and training from there we learned that Salerno had been down for two days. Hopped a chopper and went there the pilot said we had 2 hours. We ran to see what we could do. We had only my Gerber. We had no spare parts either. Nothing we could do so we ran back to the chopper, got on and went back to Ghanzi, refueled and on to Bahgram That was 5 hours on a Blackhawk. I would not recommend that to anyone. AT Ghaniz I relearned a rookie lesson. If something is not tied down it can and will blow out the open windows. So my nice glasses went out the window and into a minefield. Thusly I am wearing my cheap pair, and since I have them on I went all the way and got a crew cut. Now I sort of look like Drew Carry. Anyway I took some picture on the way from Ghaniz to Salerno. I did not take any from Bahgram to Ghaniz because I ended up on the General’s Chopper, and didn’t want to offend. We came back very sick and sore. Got a flight on a Chinook back to Salerno a few days later. Fixed everything and hoped to be gone the next day. No plane, they were scheduled but never came. Finally we hopped a mail plane this morning. Best ride in country thus far. So there we were, stuck. Day two the cell phones died no charger, day three my IPod died, day four my cell went for a swim, really dead now. I did read 6 books there, and strained my neck and back carrying the damn tool boxes back and forth to the terminal. They weigh 80 pounds each, plus our gear, and packs. We took three days worth of clothes, luckily found washers and bought a tshirt and socks. I guess I lost a little because XL fits ok and my pants size is down 4 inches. Don’t get me wrong I’m still a fat turd just not as fat. I think. Still have several other small places to go, I tell you after the fact, secret squirrel stuff and all. The excitement we missed was a Russian cargo plane came in on fire, the other day. It was the load for the store and the whole thing burned to the ground. The pilots landed and ran from the plane right into a minefield. They lucked out twice they did not find any mines. Next time the place once called the mountain garden renamed Salerno for some reason.

My partner the hardware guy Pez

Little settlement in a valley

Long road through the rough mountains

entering the mountains

Dry river bed

Most of the compounds are like this sun baked bricks surrounding a garden and houses

Inside the hooch

2006-06-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

My desk and chair. You think your typing skills are off try holding the keyboard on one leg and type with one hand.

The door and some gear by the door.

The closet and footlocker

Head of bed with the girls watching over me

The foot of my bed complete with my woobie (poncho liner great blanket)

Welcome to my room, its about the size of that walk in closet you have always wanted. The guy I replaced had done nothing with the place. I guess he doesn't watch TLC. I took the bed off the frame and moved it against the wall. Giving me more space. Then I hung a footlocker on the wall as a cabinet. Then got some scrap wood and made a closet. I am missing a chair. I have one in mind, or I have to find one. There is one near the PX I have my eye on. Work is going the places I have to go are mounting, up to four now can't get transport yet. I don't know if you've heard but there’s a war going on here. The new Germans have arrived along with some Fins. Same uniforms but the Fins and the Romanians have uniform T shirts complete with rank and stuff, cool I think.

Had another fallen comrade ceremony. That’s three dead in two weeks. This guy was MI(military Intelligence), roadside bomb. Not as dangerous here as Iraq but still you have to be careful. I am trying to loose weight as not to be such a big target. I still think this is the right place to be. We left them to themselves after the Soviets and now we have to fix what we should have done then. Karma is like that if you avoid something it will come back to get you. Personally I have had that happen twice. The first time was in college. I did not want to take a foreign language, so I avoided it. The Army thought otherwise and gave me a harder one. Then I got out of the Army partly to avoid Bosnia, Now look what Karma has brought me. Face, you fears or they will get you in the end. So on that note I have a fear of threesomes and foursomes, ummmm never mind. Oh by the way sorry to say that that is a major topic of discussion around here, being around young kids mostly, ages 18-27. The first general rule around here is no sex, the second is no beer or booze. And being that they just discovered the thrills of the flesh not too long ago, it is very hard for some.

Speaking of that
Three Brits are in captured by natives. They are given a choice. Mubobo (Have sex with all the men in the tribe) and go free or death. The first one says I love my life, who cares I'll take mubobo. The second one says, I have too much to live for I'll take mubobo. The third says I can't, I have to live with myself, I'll take death. The chief looks around for a minute and then says Okay then Death by mubobo.

Sorry, That was just waiting to get out. This five time zone stuff is BS. right now it is 1930 local(7:30 PM) 1500 Zulu (3:00PM) 1100 eastern (11:00 AM) 1000 Central(10:00 AM) and 0800 Arizona (8:00 AM) strange. No wonder I forget what day it is.

So now that you have seen my place, Call Ty Pennington and have them come here and do a make over, I dare them. This whole blod is brought to you by, Blondie, Depche Mode, Stellie Dan and Nirvana okay so my Ipod has no theme, just stuff I like. I have Enya, Shadowfax and Vincent Guaraldi as relax stuff and some pick me up stuff Atomic Fireballs, Cherry poping Daddies, ACDC, a mix of everything, yes even some Polkas. I have to be in the right mood for that. Back to work, the evening part.

Sites of interest or not

2006-06-05T04:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we canceled the trip until later. The gear wasn't ready. Thge girls at home are doing fine. The wife put the ducks in with the chickens. should be interesting. She says she is tired. Maybe I will some credit fot all I do on the farm. But miss them badly. only 372 days left. God thats a long time. Finially got some pictures up. took forever. 2 hours. Listened to Ipod. Some songs were running through my head. I know they have plenty of space to do that. Thanks Care Bear. Had "Life in a Warzone " Talking Heads in my head for two days. Some of the lyrics fit this place. " know of some grave sites out by the highway, the trucks are loaded, the trucks are ready, the soumd of gunfire off in the distance, I'm getting used to it now". Listen to sometime thats what I feel like now. Where I work is a cool place. The neat thing is I know what the Hell is going on in the country. Shh don't tell. The food here is good, but it will get old. My buddy went off to the village, he speaks two of the languages here plus he went with some treps. Interpeters. He felt uncomfortable. He says they looked at him with some malice. I said well if they looked at you that way what do you think they think of me.

Sorry to say I am a child of the 80's. I like Devo, depche mode, talking heads, Violent Femmes, REM, The Smiths, Smithereens, and amix of some 70's stuff. Strange to think your favorite music is old fart music.

Sorry for the rambling manner. My desk is two footlocker stacked, and my chair is abeach chair. the low kind. I'm typeing in the dark on my lap and not looking at the screen.
Well bye for now

Small reminder of what has happened here in the last 20 years

Friday bazaar (hello my friend come see my nice things)

The local jems in a Russian gift shop called no joke Yuri's Jewerly

This is my internet provider known around here as HajiNet

My hooch 8 guys live here

Rode in on C-130 with a mix of people

Hello from Afghanistan

2006-06-02T01:29:00.000-07:00

Well it took a while but here I am. From Baltimore we went to Shannon Ireland 6 hour flight. on ground 2 hours. Back in the air for 5 hours to Turkey. They did not let us off of the termal so no good pictures. Then to Kyrgestian 6 hours. Where we waited 4 days for a flight. To Afghanistan 2 hour flight on a C130. The landing was interesting to say the least. Think of your scarest roll-a-coaster. We came in low and fast to keep from getting shot at. The guy I am replacing was waiting and moved me into his old room. We was very glad to see me. Was jetlagged for awhile. But fine now.I am awell paid baby sitter. When the thing works I have nothing to do. When its broken lots to do. There are about 10 other countries on this base. I have seen Austrians, British, New Zealand,Poland, Slovakian , French, Italian, Canadian, Korean, Egyptian, Jordanian, German. All four of our branches are here. The workers are from all over. Alot of Russian, so I can at least talk to them some. The local Internet Provider is Indian called around here HajiNet. Not broadband but faster than dial up. The service is filter through Hong Kong. So it is censored. For some material. My cell phone is working. calls are about a dollar a minute. Only 53 weeks till I am home. We are going to Kabul soon. Hope to get pictures.

Pictures are taking to long to load this time I'll try later.

Leaveing on a jetplane

2006-05-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have been in Army training for the last week. Gotten shots and given gear for the trip. I will be flying out on Moday. This will be very short as I am at my parents house, and only have dial up. I have lots of things to do before the jet plane leaves. They did not issue me the things I thougt they would, so I have to get a few things. Anybody know where I can pick up an armored 69 volkswagen cheap? I did get body armor, helmet and crap like that. but my weapon I pick up in country. I did not take any pictures this week so no pics. Maybe today around here. So anyway I write when I get a chance.

Back Home

2006-05-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

I finished up on Wednesday two days early. I quickly rebooked my flight and was out of there Thursday morning early. I wanted to be home for little one’s concert. She is in band (percussion), orchestra (cello), and in chorus. The parents got to be guest players on the last song in band. That is if you agreed and if you can play an instrument. So I got play with her on one song Surfing USA well known for its French Horn part. She was great and I was very proud to see her get into the music. She was jazzed about band, excited about orchestra, and bored with chorus. She told me later she sang watermelon, watermelon on the songs. (stinker) We came home and the duck eggs were making noise. So during the night Filbert was born. He or she was followed by; Gilbert, Eggbert, Inglebert, Herbert, Dilbert, Albert, Fred, and Duke. Sunday the in-laws had a sort of going away party. It was fine. Loud and lots of food like most of their gatherings. We went up to the brother-in-law’s irrigation pond. They were fishing, little one wanted to learn to skip rock. She and I did a few the B-I-L showed his stuff. As for the week ahead we have a long list to do. I don’t have orders yet but the plan is to go for Army training Friday, and then Stanland the next Saturday.
Fresh from the airport

Hello Filbert

B-I-L fishing

Skipping rocks 101
Find the right rock

throw it low and fast

Skip it across the pond

Day of Contemplation

2006-04-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Another day off. So I spent some time wandering around. Came across the post cemetery. This place was a buffalo soldier outpost in the 1880’s. I went up to the top of the base and looked across the area. I decided to go to the boarder but did not cross. The crossing did not look that impressive. On the way I saw what I thought was an old adobe house. I stopped to a picture of the place. It’s for sale if you want it only half mile from the boarder. Turns out it’s not that old and not adobe. It was a straw bale house. Still I thought it looked interesting. Anyway things are not always what you think. I keep looking for that special picture. Not yet. Although I saw a road runner today and pulled over to get him, but he ran away before the camera was ready.

For those left behind

Quiet shaddy place

Poor Shorten Bread died 1903

Over looking the base

Fake adobe house

Almost done with step one

2006-04-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am finished with the instruction portion. One of the guys I will replace is back and hope to see him Monday. No training for the weekend. Although I have to study. Friday I was told I have to train four new soldiers on the system at 0900 Monday. They are fresh out of cloak and dagger school. So I feel ok about what I know and what I will have to do. Have my ticket for Georgia, and most of my gear. It is starting to sink in what I will be doing. The job does not seem hard. Long hours, and all. New wrinkle that I did not know or was not told. I will be going around the country, to smaller outposts.

since I had the day free. I went to a small town of Hippies today. It is an old copper mining town. It is interesting the way they built it in a very small valley. The houses are clinging to the hills and very narrow streets. I took snap shots. The difference in snap shots and pictures is the amount of time I look to find a good view.

Downtown lokking up hill steep

colors of the hill side was pretty

houses stepped up the hill

very steep road.

Hippymoble at the base of that steep hill

In the desert with no name

2006-04-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

Not very good pictures on the edge of town

Training is going well. Few glitches so far. spent an hour and a half waiting for new ID card. Met the big guy. He was wondering if I knew what the living conditions were over there. It seems the repair guy, different company. Has had issues with the living conditions. They don't live up to his standards. He's an old Air Force puke. They are known for their plush living conditions. When they live with the Army they get extra pay for substandard conditions. I told him I had been in the field before and knew what they were. What they are is a plywood hut, with 6-8 guys, each person has an 8 x 8 room with a bed, desk and storage. Better than a tent. They have at least AC heat, electricity, and internet. In the field we all had, a cot, or ground, no heat, no AC and a truck always running at full blast nearby. Little one is still sort of fine. It really is starting to set in what I am doing. I find out a little more each day. One dude is on his way back now. I should be able to meet him before I leave here.

It starts

2006-04-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

Some guys are prouder than others (parking lot of hotel)

Every journey starts sometime. Mine has started. Thursday the word came it’s a go and I have to go. For the next period of time I will be here. Strangely I have been here before. 15 years ago I was here for training and now I’m back. I will be fairly cryptic on what I do here and may not say. I am leery of even saying where I am. In fact come to think of it I won’t. It took three planes and a very early start to get here. Little one was real brave. I think she waited to cry after I left. Think of it saddened me. I know this is a good thing to do it will be hard. I do get to go home after here. Then off for AARRMMYY training. I do get a weapon. So along with shots and gear, now I have weapons training. I have never had a side arm before. Anyway, I have to get ready for Monday. So here are some pics. I hope to get some cool desert pictures, while I here.

My crappy car, cheapest you can rent. (Don't buy)

Road to nowhere. I now live at the foot of these mountains

Spring and still waiting

2006-04-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Spring is raising its head here in ole Tropical WI. The tulips are starting to come up and the grass is turning green. Which means I'd better rake up the litter from winter before the grass gets to cutting height. I plowed disked the garden last weekend. I did it in my shinning tractor (read truck). We do have a tractor. Better known as the gutless/ball-less wonder. As in I wonder what the hell I got the thing for. It is an Allis B. My lawn mower has more horses that it does. It can't pull a disk, plow, back blade, almost anything. So the truck does the farm work. Although there is something to be said for plowing in the comfort of your truck. Anyway on the camping trip front. Government dude one has told government two that it is okay for government dude three to send an ok to government dude four. Who in turn will send an okay to company dude one and two to submit form one. Once form one has been sent government dude 4 sends it to three and three says yes and then I go. Simple right.

Move along nothing but a plant here.

The river looking east at sunrise

looking west

further up stream at sunrise

“The waiting is the hardest part”

2006-04-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

There is still no word as to when. We have been doing various more things to get ready. We have a high speed connection at the house now, a wireless network to connect several computers, web cams for video phone calls. MSN sucks at this. I am hoping to find something better. All the wood minus the pine is stored away in the woodshed. Its about 3 cord. Lots of work and I still want 1 truck load more. Maybe this weekend, I can get some more. Checklist and equipment are being finished. Most of my medical, dental, and legal stuff is done. Still need a few minor checks on those. They are harder to do. Some cool toys are on order, flashlight, boot knife, and other cool military toys. I really want an IPOD but they cost too much. Unchecked items on list are as follows.

Oil and tune up of vehicles.
Oil and tune up of lawnmowers.
Summer chicken yard
Seed chicken yard
Manual for wife and daughter
Label stuff and instructions
Clean garage and workshop
Fix back door
Repipe sink
Plow garden
Lose weight
Run
IPOD music
Set up new laptop (if it comes)

I hope you are doing well and enjoying spring. Here the tulips are poking out of the ground. A few blades of grass are starting to green. The Robins have been back for two weeks and it’s starting to smell like spring.

It's a go

2006-03-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

Hi all, things have been quite busy of late. I got a call to report to DC for the special stuff. So, that cleared the way for the once canceled trip to go forward. I took the week off to be at home with the girls on Spring Break. Did most if not all of the medical things to get ready. Did some legal stuff, and got generally ready to leave. We went to Chicago to the field Museum and had a good time there. As of now it looks like the middle of April I will go to train for the job. And by May will be there. Most people don’t know and don’t need to know. We now have moved into the age of broadband. We have wireless setup at the house. The dear wife does not like the antenna, it is kind of garish. But if it will allow use to talk and see each other over there it’s all good. Did you know that American cell phones only work here. That’s right the rest of the world is on another type of system that does not need so many towers. So I have to get a new phone for over there. Right now we are in the prepare mode again. On vacation we did 3 cord of wood, on cord of starter (pine). Electrical work, chicken house work, what if work and so forth. At this point I want to get started and not have to wait too much longer. Little one seemed to be ok she has had two crying spells, one at school. I think the whole thing will be fine. When I get back they said I could stay here or go to any other office, even the new one (Savannah). That was temping, but I guess we’ll stay right here.

Now pictures of the trip.

We stayed here The Purple Hotel
Nice 30 years ago now aged

Windy City I guess

Inside main hall

Here's looking at you

I can fly if I try

Almost like flying

Chicago skyline

Missing did not see, gangsters, Oprah, or anything that appealing to live in a big city. Hated the crowds, tolls, traffic, and the general closed in feel.

The Ring

2006-03-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

I got my ring back yesterday. It makes me feell good to have it on again. Its been about 10 years since I wore it. It may sound silly but I like to feel its weight on my hand, It reminds me to be my best. That I did accomplish something, I can do anything if I try hard enough. I used to tell my students not to let graduation from High School be your biggest accomplishment in your life. My ring reminds me I have to do better. to maybe live up to my dreams, to do good, to accomplish something.

1989 does not seems so far away and yet it is a lifetime

The oval crest has a reproduction of the palmetto tree in its background. Aside from representing the state tree of South Carolina, the Palmetto symbolizes a cadet-trained regiment of infantry that fought in the Mexican War and it represents a fort, built of Palmetto logs, that repelled a large British invasion fleet during the Revolutionary War. The two oval shields at the base of the tree are replicas of the state seals.

The Flags of the United States and S.C. showing union of the two.
"Star of the West", which commemorates the firing on a Union supply steamer by a detachment of Citadel cadets in January, 1861. This action was the powder keg which set off the War Between the States. The cannon balls at the bottom of this shank indicate the continuing link between the Old Citadel on Marion Square and the Greater Citadel.

Leadership, courage, and integrity found in good officers is embodied by the sword. Crossing the sword is the rifle, the symbol of the infantry. Freedom acquired and maintained only through a willingness to fight for it represented by the rifle surmounted by the oak leaves of toughness and victory blessed by peace, represented by the laurel wreath

All the black dots on the bottom we said was all the assholes you must put up with in life.

Office

2006-02-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

Greetings from my office. It isn't much but it is mine. Its not the best office I've had, but I like it. I don't have nush to say other than I am awaiting the mail. My ring will be coming soon, I haven't been able to wear it for 10 years. But I had it remade after I had to cut it off. After foolishly tried to wear it. The school has a program to remake them. should be here Monday.

This is my book end.
This is the wisdom Buda on a moniter

The good luck Buda on the other

white board and pictures of the girls

side desk with my K-pot

the seat of creation

Our office was a tanning salon, They painted the walls and put in desks otherwise I work in a tanning booth minus the bed.

B.A.C.

2006-02-21T07:57:00.000-08:00

Butt Ass Cold

It got a little cold over the weekend. The top picture is about 9:00 on Saturday. It had warmed 5 degrees by then. That right -30 for a sunny day. We were gong to cut wood this weekend but it was a little to brisk for that. Going to have to for this weekend.

Tried to get the cool colors that the sun makes in the ice, failed but still kind of a neat picture.

Fluffy was in one of her rare very rare playful moods. Normally if you pet her she will spend an hour getting the human stains off of herself. Now I must get back to the living at hand and strive to count my blessings and enjoy what I have.

Not Going

2006-02-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

Well it is sort of offical. I am not going, pretty sad at this. The thing I was waiting on is what killed it. They needed someone yesterday. So with no change in sight its not me. I did get offered to move to Arizona, but no thanks. It would cost us too much to do that. Even though in the middle of a snowstorm it sounds ok but no. So thats it I stay here.

2006-02-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

A little explanation. I met my lovely wife in California, we got married in Texas and now live in Wisconsin. We did all this over a year and a half. During the whole time I met one sister of her family. I asked her father for her hand over the phone. Never met or saw the family before hand. It was 7 months into the marriage when we came to Wisconsin to visit. Her parents threw us a wedding party. I was a blast except her family is large and for years afterward she would say remember so and so, he was at the wedding party. There must have been 150-200 people there. I did remember anyone. Anyway they are 100% Polish, and I felt that they did not really accept me until they found out I was at least part Polish (about 10%). And that I could play trumpet, which in turn meant I could play in the Polka band if needed. Her brothers have a Polka band and play around the city in the winter. They are pretty good. And ever once in a while they ask me to play. The last time was a few weeks ago. The dance hall, yes they still have them in Wisconsin, was packed. Old and young, no really quite a few teenagers were there. I went to play but they had asked other Polka friends to play as well. No kidding we had 7 trumpets, 2 clarinets, a concertina, an accordion, a sax, drums, bass, and other rhythm type crap. That's 15 a normal band is maybe 5. It was great fun. Here are a few shots I took. Two brothers are picture one was absent hence I was there to fill in.

Marv the drummer notice the cymbal warped from 30 years of use

Brother-inlaw Dale

Brother-inlaw Bryan

2006-02-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines day to all. Still waiting here in Wisconsin. Even the animals are laying around waiting. The girls are fine, the job is great been busy and enjoying that. Weather is going to turn BAC (Butt Ass Cold). single digits above for the day and well, several digits below for night. The wood that I worked to get put away is disappearing faster than I would like. That means more time in the woods. Here are some sights around the house this week.

Ten deer in the backyard.

The hurd waiting for Mom.
You think you have a hard time keeping the cats off stuff.

James the Lover Boy

2006-02-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

Still waiting. Meanwhile back at the ranch. Things are going along swimmingly. Dealing with the trials and tribulations of a preteen. Doing a clean sweep type project in the attic. Which is always troubling, in that it always seems like my stuff is the stuff that needs to be tossed. I mean everyone needs a jack-a-lop don’t they. What about love poems, written by Leonard Nimoy Warmed by Love. What says romance like Spok. Nothing much new but waiting and seeing. I am trying to put it out of my mind. On one of our sunny days (very few) I finally took a picture of the bed and Breakfast I pass on the way to work. So here it is

This is the nice B&B it is quite cute but they have a slight location problem they fail to mention on the website

My friend says at least they have killer water pressure.

White Chapel

2006-01-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

The White chapel

The white chapel has opened for services

The vestibule is festooned to greet you

The walls are fresh with glory

The offerings are set for those in need

The holy water flows for blessings

Heads are bowed in praise

All kneel in awe

Raise up with joy

Peace be with you

The Visit

2006-01-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

We had a dear friend over visit over the weekend. She has been my wife's friend since high school and they have had all sorts of adventures along the way. We went to eat at a local bar and grill with a good rep. The front entry is an old brew keg (1,000 gallons) that they have cut for an air space. Here in Wisconsin they usually have two doors to a building or house. So as to form a kind of airlock. You go in one and close the door and then go into the real door. I guess the theory is to not let all the heat escape. Anyway their air lock is a hugh oak keg that was used by the local brewery for many years. The food was good I had a "pork bar-b-que" sandwich. I debated long and hard over the choice. I thought well why not they are suppose to be good. I swear to God it looked like dog food. No sause, it wasn't dry but only had a hint of bbq flavor to it. I should have known better. The others were pleased with their meals. I guess you wouldn't go to Atlanta for glumpkie, or chaff, or brats so why do I always fall for that trick.

Good luck to CareBear on your trip. And still no word from the job.

The last of the cats but surely not the least.

Emily

Point that at me again and I give you a present on your pillow.

Blue

2006-01-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

Feeling blue, I don't like the waiting, don't like the unknown, and don’t like the feeling of limbo. I need to know more, I need to learn more.

Not just me though, Brother-in-law was at the house at lunch. Two of his trucks are dead, his new truck is in need of repair. He has a farm and does need these. It’s not like they are for fun they are work trucks. He has to go in for knee surgery. So I guess it’s not just me. The sun has only been out twice this month and I think I’m low on sun juice to run my body.

I did make it to the cardio center last night and confirmed I’m in poor shape. I did a fast walk on the treadmill 2 miles. It took 35 minutes to go 2 miles. Hell I had to run it in 16 min in the Army, long way to go.

The Family and the Cat Hurd

Another Part of a Step (rambling)

2006-01-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

I went and got my License To Sweat (No joke that's what's on the card I got to use the Cardio Center stuff) at the local college today, not bad only three trips and two builds to do it. Me and the wife are alums of the place. She graduated in 91 and I in 04. My second degree. Her first unused degree. Now me and two of my co-workers are going to go and start working on that get in shape thing.

Nothing else moving on the waiting part.

My first comment came from a nice southern gal. Who by reading her blog, (nice blog) lives in the big town near my folks. I was born and raised in Belton. A little town in the western part of SC.

The big office in Virginia sent us a pool table, so we put it in a spare office.

Nice table

Either the table is too small or the office is too big.

More work

2006-01-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well, spent the weekend with some house prep. We use wood to heat part of the old farm house, so wood has to cut, split, and put away. Seems like we use alot. Three to four cords. That is a stack 4 feet high, 24 inches deep an 12 feet long. We got 1 1/2 cord put away over the last two weekends. To make until I get back (if I go), I need to put away 6 cord. Geez my back hurts already. The majority of this wood is dead wood. We have a disease called oak wilt that is killing off parts of the woods around us. No real way to stop it. It can kill a mature tree in a year. Starves the tree to death. Anyway, I have enough for this season, now I start on next season. This is not temting the fates of getting too much ready, I have to do this every year. It's just this year I will do extra.

The rest of the cat hurd minus one.

Boris and Walter (the old boys)

James T. Cat the Crazied One

Amy The Queen of Mean

Wonders never end

2006-01-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

13 Jan 06
My birth certificate arrived yesterday. Oh what a hunk of leftover crap. the wonderful state of South Carolina has bestowed upon me proof that I am alive. Is it worth frameing or adding to the historical documents of the world you ask? No it is on plain blue paper with a off pink seal onit. A 6th grader with MS paint could have done better. SO that means part of a step is complete.

I take it to the court house to apply for the passport. What a large crock. The lady behind the glass looked at the certificate as if it was sandscrit. After two trips to the post office, two trips to the Court hosue, one trip to the bank and two hundred dollars lighter in the wallet it is off. The address is the New Orleans Processing center in Culver City CA. huh anyway in two weeks it should be in my hand.

Remeber I said if you plan to far ahead it will fall through. Well in the company status call yesterday the boss lady asked for volunteers to go to Afghanistan. WHAT??!! She even gave out what the pay maybe. (didn't want people to know that)

I ie-mailed her and asked does that mean I'm out. Noo she replyed I am assuming that you will fill one position. Oh (that is if the Feds grant unto me the status needed). So it still might happen. According to the horible scopes and fortune cookies it will.

Anyway more important stuff the family and the cats.

Fluffy the cats pet (she hates humans)

The boys Rusty and Walter
(Rusty is afraid of evrything and Walter he came with the wife)

There are 4 more to come later.

What have I done

2006-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

Yes I know its not a great picture I will put a better one on later

Hello, I am starting this to document maybe the craziest descission I have ever made. I volunteered to go to Afghanistan. That's right I am going to a place hardly anyone wants to go to. To be fair it is not set in stone that I will go. I have to wait on some paperwork, my passaport, and loads of unknown things. But let's say it is 75% sure I'll go.

Anyway a little about me. 38 years old, married 12 years, 1 daughter 11, we have 7 cats, 28 chickens, and two dogs. (more on them later). I am a displaced southern still confused by the ways and customs of the far north mid-west place I call home now. My wife is from here and has a large family. All 100% polish desent. Me mutt through and through. Born and raised in South Carolina, a product of a military family and education. I am a Citadel whole man or man hole which ever you prefer. I was a Russian Linguist in the Army, a teacher for 8 total years(off and on) never in social studies. 5 years a a industrial arts (shop) teacher. I hold two degrees one in secondary education social studies, and one in computer information systems. I have half a masters degree complete (and propably never will complete), this means I am dangerously over educated. We live in the center of the state on the wife's family's original homestead, circa 1905. It was a dump when we moved in and still is no showplace but has improved(greatly)
I am overweight, pasty, afflicted with strawberry blond hair, that as I get older gets blonder.
That right the voices in my head echo.

Anyway, what am I doing to prepare. Well I am southern so there is a problem with this. I have found the more I prepare in advance for something the less likely it will happen. So I am doing the things that will take a while to do, so that the stumbleing blocks are fewer.

step one
Get passaport (simple right) ha
step one A
Find birth certificate (simple right) ha
step one B
Get copy of birth certificate (simple right) ha (see the pattern)
step one C
Call hospital I was born in. I sorry we don't keep records past 1974 (WTF). call county health department. go to web site for birth certificate $47.00.
Oh dear god I never had a state certificate. Mine was a county think the size of a credit card. I know that it was issued in 1973 or 4 ( I know what the hell were they waiting for. To see if I would look like the rest of the family (I don't). To see if I can find my way home(I did) who knows. But know I am waiting on people in the state capital to find if I was born.
step two
Get passaport
Lord help me, That depends on step one.
step three
Get into some shape other than round.

I'll keep you posted