So, after working for the past 12-odd days (with an actual day off), we got to experience... rain... Thats right, it rained here in iraq. And it was enough to ground ALL aerial vehicles that cannot for sometime. So Our job was put on hold only an hour into our 2nd mission. Crazy huh? I got to talk to Chelsey for a bit during the break between missions and even told her that with the way weather was looking, we might get grounded. And sure enough, the funny feeling in my bones paid off. Anywho, things are going good for the most part, except that despite regulations, they are saying that I may not get a CHU. Our PLT is certainly fighting for me and other operators currently without CHUs. Basically it was a matter of the other PLTs saying that "its not fair" (something that we get a lot of), and that we shouldnt get priority on CHUs even though it states directly in AR 95-23 that operators and maintainers will be granted hardened shelters due to the nature of our job. Basically, with needing crew rest (and 8 hrs uninterrupted sleep), we need to have a setting which can be achieved that way. Sleeping in tents that people constantly go in and out of, turning lights on and off, doesnt achieve that. With CHUs, we are typically on opposite shifts of our roommate, and we can lock the door and keep the lights off. But as they say, this is mission essential and sometimes you have to bend (or break) the regs to get the mission done. But we will see how long that lasts when there is an accident.
Well, no mail has come today, so I am still expecting packages from Shennie and The Mom, as well as the xmas/bday presents... Hopefully by that time, I will have my CHU (or permanent tent) and a working Xbox 360. Well, times a short and have to get my beauty sleep...
David
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Patriotic cars!!
Congratulations to Shennie on her new car. Hers is red and my two are blue and white!! (hence the title!) Jessica and I got to talk to David for about 20 minutes yesterday (11/27). He had the day off so he sounded well and rested. He told us a little bit more about the Camp and the happenings - some interesting stuff...nothing to share on the blog, though. He was hoping to move into more permanent living quarters soon since the brigrade they are replacing has all left. Once he is moved in, I am sure he will feel more settled and comfortable. One thing he did mention was that it was actually getting "cold" there at night...~40 degrees Farenheit. During the day the temps are around 70. I guess that is better than arriving there in the heat of the summer when temps can reach 130 degrees!
Well - I have officially started my Christmas shopping and I am sure that Walmart and Kohl's appreciate that! We are actually trying to keep gift giving reasonable this year. The kids all drew names (except for DA). The dad and I still get to buy for everyone!! See what happens when you put the kids in charge!
DA - I will be putting a box together this week and getting it mailed out. Some will be Christmas, the rest just "stuff". You can open it whenver you want. I will wrap the Christmas stuff so you can save that for the 25th, and open the rest when you get the box.
Jennie and I went to the Clay Aiken concert at the Fox last night. It was very good. He has quite a voice range and had some nice new arrangements for some Christmas songs. My only recommendation as he continues in his career is that he develop "stage presence". Last night, he just stood and sang. I'm sure that wil come with time and experience.
Gotta run - timer is going off indicating that dinner is ready!!
Love you & KYHD,
the Mom
Well - I have officially started my Christmas shopping and I am sure that Walmart and Kohl's appreciate that! We are actually trying to keep gift giving reasonable this year. The kids all drew names (except for DA). The dad and I still get to buy for everyone!! See what happens when you put the kids in charge!
DA - I will be putting a box together this week and getting it mailed out. Some will be Christmas, the rest just "stuff". You can open it whenver you want. I will wrap the Christmas stuff so you can save that for the 25th, and open the rest when you get the box.
Jennie and I went to the Clay Aiken concert at the Fox last night. It was very good. He has quite a voice range and had some nice new arrangements for some Christmas songs. My only recommendation as he continues in his career is that he develop "stage presence". Last night, he just stood and sang. I'm sure that wil come with time and experience.
Gotta run - timer is going off indicating that dinner is ready!!
Love you & KYHD,
the Mom
Car, cont... ~ again
I'm getting my new car today. The salesman is coming this morning to pick up my old car and will bring me my new car after lunch. I'll be SO glad when this ordeal is over - dealing with car salesmen, finance people, managers leaves me wanting to take a shower and douse myself with germ-X! Slimy, sleezy, disgusting. (except for Kevin)
Sorry for the delay - the salesman just came and took away my old car. No tears, no sad goodbyes. Adios, mi amiga! You served me well but it's time to move on to newer and better.
Ok, now I can begin the Christmas trimming and baking and preparing. The Messiah is this Sunday and I'm working at the reception afterwards. I told them I'd also bake shortbread - I've got the butter out softening. I'll do 2 or 3 batches. It is ALWAYS a hit. Do you like it, DA? The Cub Scouts didn't come around this year selling wreathes, so I guess I'm going to have to go to the nursery or store and get two for my doors. I will do blue or yellow bows this year to honor you and the others serving overseas. No big tree this year since I'm not going to be home for Christmas day; so I'm going to use the ceramic one that I made for Grandma and Grandpa years ago when I was taking ceramics.
Oh, and Christmas cards. I should have started them last night between midnight and 4:00 a.m. when I couldn't sleep; tho, I only have a few left from last year. Better get to Hallmark before there are none left. Last year I mailed a bunch late and Uncle Nick picked on me unmercifully! I put a sticker on the envelope that said, "Better Late Than Never", but that didn't help - according to him. There are a few that I want to do special this year. You'll see!
Time to get to work! That is, if I can get someone to reload QuickBooks so I can do my monthly billing. Scooter, will you come fix it for me? I had to change machines and now nothing works. HELP!
KYHD!
Love you!
/Shennie
Sorry for the delay - the salesman just came and took away my old car. No tears, no sad goodbyes. Adios, mi amiga! You served me well but it's time to move on to newer and better.
Ok, now I can begin the Christmas trimming and baking and preparing. The Messiah is this Sunday and I'm working at the reception afterwards. I told them I'd also bake shortbread - I've got the butter out softening. I'll do 2 or 3 batches. It is ALWAYS a hit. Do you like it, DA? The Cub Scouts didn't come around this year selling wreathes, so I guess I'm going to have to go to the nursery or store and get two for my doors. I will do blue or yellow bows this year to honor you and the others serving overseas. No big tree this year since I'm not going to be home for Christmas day; so I'm going to use the ceramic one that I made for Grandma and Grandpa years ago when I was taking ceramics.
Oh, and Christmas cards. I should have started them last night between midnight and 4:00 a.m. when I couldn't sleep; tho, I only have a few left from last year. Better get to Hallmark before there are none left. Last year I mailed a bunch late and Uncle Nick picked on me unmercifully! I put a sticker on the envelope that said, "Better Late Than Never", but that didn't help - according to him. There are a few that I want to do special this year. You'll see!
Time to get to work! That is, if I can get someone to reload QuickBooks so I can do my monthly billing. Scooter, will you come fix it for me? I had to change machines and now nothing works. HELP!
KYHD!
Love you!
/Shennie
Monday, November 26, 2007
Car, cont...
So, I checked with the DCU this morning. They'll give me a loan at .8 less than the dealer so I'm going with that. Also, I checked with my mechanic about checking out my investment and he's buried right now but when I told him about the car, he said that he could think of nothing that might be wrong with it. ...unless it had been dropped off the back of a flatbead. I'll even get a copy of the carfax report on the car and the Mass. Lemon Law is on my side should I need it. He has even dealt with the dealer and finds them friendly, honest, efficient and very good to deal with. So, I've got a call into the salesman and as soon as he calls back, I'll go over and give him the down payment and sign all the papers. Then he gets to deal with the DCU, the registry, the insurance company, etc.
Hopefully I'll pick up the car on my way to work Wednesday morning or on my way home from work tomorrow night. GULP!
It's rainy here today but quite balmy for 11/26. Speaking of which - Happy Birthday, Daddy!
The Patriots pulled it out last night ~ PHEW!. I only stayed up until the score was 14-14. It was a tit-for-tat game. For every one of our TD's, Philly got one. They were good. Luckily we pulled it out in the end. What happened to the Rams? I do root for them ~ as long as they're not playing the Pats.
Have my packages arrived yet, Scoots? I mailed them a couple days after JJ mailed hers. Apologize to the mail person - one of them is heavy - but I wanted to get my money's worth out of the post office.
Back to work or whatever it is that I do here.
Love you and KYHD!
/Shennie
Hopefully I'll pick up the car on my way to work Wednesday morning or on my way home from work tomorrow night. GULP!
It's rainy here today but quite balmy for 11/26. Speaking of which - Happy Birthday, Daddy!
The Patriots pulled it out last night ~ PHEW!. I only stayed up until the score was 14-14. It was a tit-for-tat game. For every one of our TD's, Philly got one. They were good. Luckily we pulled it out in the end. What happened to the Rams? I do root for them ~ as long as they're not playing the Pats.
Have my packages arrived yet, Scoots? I mailed them a couple days after JJ mailed hers. Apologize to the mail person - one of them is heavy - but I wanted to get my money's worth out of the post office.
Back to work or whatever it is that I do here.
Love you and KYHD!
/Shennie
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Another Thanksgiving!
Howdy folks! Well - today we had our family Thanksgiving. Although we had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Ben's family, I decided to have another one that we could all be at and it worked out great. We had turkey and all the fixin's and even some leftovers! The leftovers are actually better than the first meal!! Also - one of my friends works weekends at the hospital and she also worked Thanksgiving so she didn't get a real meal. Well - she is getting one now. We put aside several full GLAD containers with all the fixin's just for her.
Glad to hear from David that he actually got a package for his birthday. I think most of us are going to get your Christmas packages out this week - so be watching for them.
It is raining here today and they are saying we may get some snow tomorrow! YEAH! I love snow!! As soon as we have some I'm going to make a snowball and put it in the freezer for when David comes home!! My guess is he won't see much snow in Iraq.
Must think about hitting the sack. It has been a busy day and I have to work tomorrow.
Love to all - especially the birthday guy!
Talk to you soon...BTW - Ben got our SKYPE phone set up today, but it is still charging so we do not have a user name yet. Will let you know when we do.
Love you,
the Mom
Glad to hear from David that he actually got a package for his birthday. I think most of us are going to get your Christmas packages out this week - so be watching for them.
It is raining here today and they are saying we may get some snow tomorrow! YEAH! I love snow!! As soon as we have some I'm going to make a snowball and put it in the freezer for when David comes home!! My guess is he won't see much snow in Iraq.
Must think about hitting the sack. It has been a busy day and I have to work tomorrow.
Love to all - especially the birthday guy!
Talk to you soon...BTW - Ben got our SKYPE phone set up today, but it is still charging so we do not have a user name yet. Will let you know when we do.
Love you,
the Mom
Car
Well, folks, thank you to all who have been following my new car/car dealer saga. I think I bought a car this afternoon. Notice I didn't say new. Actually it's a 2007 Toyota Camry. I went back to one of the dealers that I went to on Friday and today they were standing on the sidewalk just waiting for me to show up. I test drove a 2008 Camry and a 2008 Rav4. Both had their pluses and minuses. But, they had a 2007 on the lot that was one of their rentals - it had 26K miles on it. It had just about everything I wanted except the automatic start feature ~ I'm getting lazy in my old age. So we started talking $$$ and cents and I got them to add that into the package for my price. Then, they made the big mistake, they brought in the "manager". What would it take to sign this afternoon? ...yahda, yahda, yahda! I pushed back and said that I was not going to be pressured and that I had to think about it plus check with my brother-in-law (thanx, David for the help). "But what if someone comes in and buys it today?" Well, guess it wasn't meant to be, was it. I will never be that emotionally attached to any car. Sorry, folks, its just not in my genes! So I'll check with the DCU tomorrow and see what kind of rate they can give me for a loan and hopefully by the end of the week I'll be driving this car......
My one major complaint was that the headrest hit my head right smack dab in the middle of the back of my head and I felt like it was pushing my head forward - it wasn't comfortable at all. So, for those of you who aren't that observant, I'm short! Yup, I know that's hard to believe, but it's true. The poor salesman and I tried to figure out how I could get to feel comfortable with the headrests that were in the car. We tried every scenario. Finally, the light dawned. We took the headrest from the back seat and put it on my seat and it works perfectly! As a matter of fact, tomorrow I am going to call the salesman and ask him if he has 2 extra backseat headrests that I'll use instead of the standard issue ones. That way I'll be able to see around the passenger seat headrest.
The salesman is even going to take the car to my mechanic and have Russ give it the "papal blessing". So the next time you see me, I could very well be driving a car that looks just like the one pictured above.
Am I my father's daughter or what?
Supper time - I've given up on turkey and am going with pssghetti tonight.
Love to all.
KYHD, Scoots.
The salesman is even going to take the car to my mechanic and have Russ give it the "papal blessing". So the next time you see me, I could very well be driving a car that looks just like the one pictured above.
Am I my father's daughter or what?
Supper time - I've given up on turkey and am going with pssghetti tonight.
Love to all.
KYHD, Scoots.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Hey Everyone
Thanks to all for the birthday msgs. 5 years ago if you had told me I would be in Iraq for any of my birthdays, I would have told you to lay off the crack. But sure enough, here I am, 26 years old with a birthday that has come and gone. I know jennie and ben's package wasnt a b'day package technically, but it felt just the same with all the goodies (especially the twizzlers). Unfortunately, my team leader wouldnt go for the idea of letting me have time off since its just the 3 of us at our forward site and we had to conduct a 11hr mission. I was able to briefly talk to the re-enlistment counselor and she said that I could stop by her office tomorrow morning and discuss my re-enlistment options. I am optimistic about Campbell or Huachuca, but deploying again while in the military just doesnt seem like something I want to do. I figure if I can re-enlist for georgia with the stability option (meaning I cant deploy for at minimum 2 years then I could basically forego the next deployment in 2009/2010 and THEN go to huachuca or arizona. With new Army policy I have to be at a unit for 1 year's time before deploying so that I can go through all required BIT (Brigade Integration Training) and IRT (individual readiness training) prior to deployment. So basically I can re-enlist for 4 years, and not deploy the last 3 years of it. From there, I can PCS to Huachuca, get out of the Army, and start up my civilian job.
Anywho, things are going good here. I should be getting a CHU(Contained Housing Unit) within the next couple days since the unit we are replacing will be completely out of country by the 27th. Once that happens, I will see about getting that wireless internet and take it from there.
I am glad everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Mine wasnt too bad, except for waiting in line for an unusually long time (and being starving at the same time). I will try to get some pics up of my deployment to date by the time I have the wireless internet.
Well, its 0130 and I have been up since 0915 yesterday and had to fly and operate the camera for a combined 11hr day, so I am wiped. Goodnight everybody! Peace
Anywho, things are going good here. I should be getting a CHU(Contained Housing Unit) within the next couple days since the unit we are replacing will be completely out of country by the 27th. Once that happens, I will see about getting that wireless internet and take it from there.
I am glad everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Mine wasnt too bad, except for waiting in line for an unusually long time (and being starving at the same time). I will try to get some pics up of my deployment to date by the time I have the wireless internet.
Well, its 0130 and I have been up since 0915 yesterday and had to fly and operate the camera for a combined 11hr day, so I am wiped. Goodnight everybody! Peace
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Happy Birthday, to you!
Happy Birthday, to you!
Happy Birthday Dear Scooter
Happy Birthday to you!
Imagine the Mom and I singing in harmony in lieu of Grandma C calling; however, I'm the one singing ON key!
Seriously, hope you have a wonderful birthday. Do you at least get some time off to enjoy?
/KYHD
Shennie
Happy Birthday, to you!
Happy Birthday Dear Scooter
Happy Birthday to you!
Imagine the Mom and I singing in harmony in lieu of Grandma C calling; however, I'm the one singing ON key!
Seriously, hope you have a wonderful birthday. Do you at least get some time off to enjoy?
/KYHD
Shennie
Friday, November 23, 2007
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear David,
Happy Birthday to YOU!!
Just remember when you were younger and Grandma C used to call and sing Happy Birthday To You every birthday!! 'member???
Sure wish we could do that now! I don't know which you will see first - this blog or your e-mail but just so you know - I recharged your calling card tonight.
Chelsey just got here so I've got to run. I'll talk again soon.
Love you,
the Mom
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear David,
Happy Birthday to YOU!!
Just remember when you were younger and Grandma C used to call and sing Happy Birthday To You every birthday!! 'member???
Sure wish we could do that now! I don't know which you will see first - this blog or your e-mail but just so you know - I recharged your calling card tonight.
Chelsey just got here so I've got to run. I'll talk again soon.
Love you,
the Mom
Long time, No see
It's me. Sorry about the non-posting lately. I haven't spent any time on the computer lately. It's been kinda nice :)
We had a great Thanksgiving! We're currently in KY with Craig's family. Yesterday we went to his Aunt's house where 25+ of us gathered to enjoy a lot of food and good company.
After eating a nice big lunch, we had some dessert and then hung around and chatted with everyone. About 5pm, we came home and relaxed. Then about 6pm, we hit White Castle! It was yummy, too.
Then, about 9:30pm, I hit the sack because the mother and sister-in-law joined me for some early morning shopping today!! Thats right, I woke up at 4am and was out the door by quarter after! We hit Wal-Mart (to buy mom's gift!!! I hope she likes it...I got up super early to get it for her), Kohls, Macy's, Pennys, and Ann Taylor Loft. We each got some great deals. I bought a few things I was in desperate need of.....shoes! Haha!
Cooper is doing well. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting his cousin, Merton (a black lab). They had a ball. And, Cooper humped Merton. A lot.
We also got to spend some good time with our niece, Searcy. She's a doll. Here's proof:
Sounds like everyone enjoyed their Holiday. We didn't get to talk to David :( But we know he's been working hard.
Sure hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
Love to all,
Jessica
We had a great Thanksgiving! We're currently in KY with Craig's family. Yesterday we went to his Aunt's house where 25+ of us gathered to enjoy a lot of food and good company.
After eating a nice big lunch, we had some dessert and then hung around and chatted with everyone. About 5pm, we came home and relaxed. Then about 6pm, we hit White Castle! It was yummy, too.
Then, about 9:30pm, I hit the sack because the mother and sister-in-law joined me for some early morning shopping today!! Thats right, I woke up at 4am and was out the door by quarter after! We hit Wal-Mart (to buy mom's gift!!! I hope she likes it...I got up super early to get it for her), Kohls, Macy's, Pennys, and Ann Taylor Loft. We each got some great deals. I bought a few things I was in desperate need of.....shoes! Haha!
Cooper is doing well. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting his cousin, Merton (a black lab). They had a ball. And, Cooper humped Merton. A lot.
We also got to spend some good time with our niece, Searcy. She's a doll. Here's proof:
Sounds like everyone enjoyed their Holiday. We didn't get to talk to David :( But we know he's been working hard.
Sure hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
Love to all,
Jessica
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday David! We were all so glad that we got to talk with you last night. We are also really happy that you may be able to come home a little early.
Glad to hear that my package has arrived, I hope you like what I put in it. It's not a birthday package, technically. I'll be giving Mom money to put in your account towards your TV for your birthday present from me and Ben.
Just wanted to say a quick "Hello" and "Happy Birthday."
Miss you, love you!
Glad to hear that my package has arrived, I hope you like what I put in it. It's not a birthday package, technically. I'll be giving Mom money to put in your account towards your TV for your birthday present from me and Ben.
Just wanted to say a quick "Hello" and "Happy Birthday."
Miss you, love you!
Shalom
I just talked to David, and he wanted me to let Jennie know that your package arrived today, he just didn't get the chance to pick it up because he's been working 12 hours shifts. I'm going to be mailing off the stuff I have for him tomorrow, assuming that stuff comes in the mail in time, so if anyone has anything they'd like me to mail with it, let me know.
Car Buying
Yes, I realize that this is my second blog today, but I just came back from 2 hours of car shopping and I'm no farther along than I was when I left the house this morning. I'm going to go online and look for a car dealer that is owned and staffed by women!
At the first dealership, I parked my car and got out and walked up and down the rows looking for either a Camry or a Rav4 - preferably in red. I found one Camry that was red but it had 26K miles. I walked around for about 15 minutes and NO ONE came out to talk to me. I saw several salesmen standing in the showroom. I know I'm short, but I'm pretty sure they saw me! So, I got in my car and went to a second dealer. Now, to be fair, this place was busy! But I drove around the lot several times and finally parked my car and went in. I had several of the staff smile and say hello and keep on walking. I strolled around the showroom a couple times and even stood and drooled over a brand new Barcellona Red Camry that was in a special showroom ~ twice ~ and no one came near me. Honest, I took a shower this morning and was even carrying my COACH bag. As I was leaving, one of the salesmen preceded me out the door and asked me if I was sure I wanted to go out in the cold? I saw the salesmen go up to two couples that came in after me and ask them if they were being helped. They were wandering just as I was.
So, maybe tomorrow morning I'll stop at another dealership down in Westboro. Let's see what happens there. I had thought about renting a male to go with me but I'm going to see how long it takes to get service at a car dealer as a lone female. Do I have to walk in waving a teller's check to be believable? I used to think that this kind of story was a myth ~ guess not.
Enough venting for one day.
Oh, I had a turkey sandwich made with all the leftovers today for lunch. MMMMMMMMM - was that good! Almost as good if not better than the original meal.
Back to knitting!
KYHD!
Love you ~ Shennie
At the first dealership, I parked my car and got out and walked up and down the rows looking for either a Camry or a Rav4 - preferably in red. I found one Camry that was red but it had 26K miles. I walked around for about 15 minutes and NO ONE came out to talk to me. I saw several salesmen standing in the showroom. I know I'm short, but I'm pretty sure they saw me! So, I got in my car and went to a second dealer. Now, to be fair, this place was busy! But I drove around the lot several times and finally parked my car and went in. I had several of the staff smile and say hello and keep on walking. I strolled around the showroom a couple times and even stood and drooled over a brand new Barcellona Red Camry that was in a special showroom ~ twice ~ and no one came near me. Honest, I took a shower this morning and was even carrying my COACH bag. As I was leaving, one of the salesmen preceded me out the door and asked me if I was sure I wanted to go out in the cold? I saw the salesmen go up to two couples that came in after me and ask them if they were being helped. They were wandering just as I was.
So, maybe tomorrow morning I'll stop at another dealership down in Westboro. Let's see what happens there. I had thought about renting a male to go with me but I'm going to see how long it takes to get service at a car dealer as a lone female. Do I have to walk in waving a teller's check to be believable? I used to think that this kind of story was a myth ~ guess not.
Enough venting for one day.
Oh, I had a turkey sandwich made with all the leftovers today for lunch. MMMMMMMMM - was that good! Almost as good if not better than the original meal.
Back to knitting!
KYHD!
Love you ~ Shennie
Happy Belated Thanksgiving to Everyone!
I'm sorry this is coming to you the day after Thanksgiving, but by the time everything was said and done yesterday, I was too pooped to pop! I was up with the chickens yesterday morning and started getting ready. You woulda thought I was having 100 people. But, like they say it's just as easy to cook for 100 as it is for 3. I started in making the stuffing and the cranberry-orange relish. I also had to set the table. I hadn't used my good china in years, so I got that down from the top shelf of my closet. Thank goodness it is stored in china savers, there was a 1/2" of dust on them. So, I washed everything off and looked for a tablecloth that did have remnants of dinner at 406 on it. Time to invest in some new tablecloths (hint, hint!). The one I found that didn't need to be washed or ironed was for the table completely opened up, but with a little fold or tuck here and there, it worked. I even had napkins to match. I then dug out a cloth pumpkin that Aunt Janet had made and gave to me last year and that along with some candles was my centerpiece - except I moved it to the unused side of the table so we wouldn't have to reach around or look over it.
I put the turkey in about 10:15 - it was a 14 pounder. Kathy and Dee Dee were due here about 1:00. Dee Dee called a little after 12:00 and had just gotten onto the Mass Pike and it was bumper to bumper - stopped! ...in both directions. She said she had just seen the sign for 495 - 26 miles away. I shouldn't expect her soon. Phew - I could jump in the shower and get some other stuff done. Kathy finally showed up about 1:30 and Dee Dee arrived about 15 minutes later. Dinner went VERY well - everything turned out great. And, Dee Dee even offered to carve the turkey. Bless her heart! We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, turnip, rolls, cranberry sauce, cranberry-orange relish, pickles, olives, celery. For dessert, we had strawberry mousse that Kathy brought and an apple crisp that I made - from the Barefoot Contessa's recipe. Wouldn't do that again. It was OK, but not wonderful.
Just as we finished eating, the "tribe" from Connecticut called. They missed having Daddy and me there. However, Nick was sure that when they got to the part where everyone said what they were thankful for, at least 2 or 3 would say that I wasn't there. But, he did say he missed having me there and that his turkey came out almost as good as mine.
The gals pitched in like real troopers and we got all the dishes done before they left. I had 2 wine glasses and the dessert dishes to wash before I went to bed. It was a fun time. Kathy and Dee Dee got along great - Dee Dee is going to diligently look for a dog for me. She asked me if I wanted a cat - Yeah, right! She's got a litter of calicos that's she looking for homes for. Not this person - I want a pet - not something that ignores me unless it's dinner time! But, owning a horse farm, she gets all kinds of animals. She's got several dogs, cats and a pig! That's not counting the 30+ horses in her barn. She doesn't own all the horses, but they're there. Like Daddy used to say, Dee Dee Gilyard was born on a horse!!!!! BTW ~ her brother, Kent, is getting ready to have a kidney transplant. He had a heart transplant several years ago and now the kidney. He's fighting off dialysis - sound familiar? - but is hoping that the xplant will happen right after the first of the year. He's got a donor - so it's just a matter of getting the everything settled.
Well, I slept in this morning so it's time to have some breakfast (it's been an hour since I took my levoxyl) and then get the dishes put away from yesterday. I may go out and look at new cars this afternoon. I really would like to go to AC Moore, but I am not going to fight that mob. I woke up in the middle of the night last night and when I turned on the radio, they were reporting that the exits to the Wrentham Outlets off of 495 were crammed, traffic was backed up for miles, parking spaces were nowhere to be found (and they had added 500 from last year) and fights were breaking out in the stores. There were some good deals, but you got killed getting to them. Hopefully, I'll be the only one looking at cars!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for, a lot to remember fondly, and hopes for a bright and happy future. Scoots, while I was working around in the kitchen yesterday morning, I had the local news on and they were broadcasting "hellos" from the troops in Iraq. I pictured you standing there saying hi to everyone. Can you let us know when you get our packages? Just so we know, and know what works and what doesn't work. Will work on Christmas this coming week.
Doesn't someone special have a birthday tomorrow????? In case I don't log on tomorrow ~ I may go to Ct. to a b'day party for Dennis' 60th ~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCOOTS!!!!!
Love to all and KYHD!
/Shennie
I put the turkey in about 10:15 - it was a 14 pounder. Kathy and Dee Dee were due here about 1:00. Dee Dee called a little after 12:00 and had just gotten onto the Mass Pike and it was bumper to bumper - stopped! ...in both directions. She said she had just seen the sign for 495 - 26 miles away. I shouldn't expect her soon. Phew - I could jump in the shower and get some other stuff done. Kathy finally showed up about 1:30 and Dee Dee arrived about 15 minutes later. Dinner went VERY well - everything turned out great. And, Dee Dee even offered to carve the turkey. Bless her heart! We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, turnip, rolls, cranberry sauce, cranberry-orange relish, pickles, olives, celery. For dessert, we had strawberry mousse that Kathy brought and an apple crisp that I made - from the Barefoot Contessa's recipe. Wouldn't do that again. It was OK, but not wonderful.
Just as we finished eating, the "tribe" from Connecticut called. They missed having Daddy and me there. However, Nick was sure that when they got to the part where everyone said what they were thankful for, at least 2 or 3 would say that I wasn't there. But, he did say he missed having me there and that his turkey came out almost as good as mine.
The gals pitched in like real troopers and we got all the dishes done before they left. I had 2 wine glasses and the dessert dishes to wash before I went to bed. It was a fun time. Kathy and Dee Dee got along great - Dee Dee is going to diligently look for a dog for me. She asked me if I wanted a cat - Yeah, right! She's got a litter of calicos that's she looking for homes for. Not this person - I want a pet - not something that ignores me unless it's dinner time! But, owning a horse farm, she gets all kinds of animals. She's got several dogs, cats and a pig! That's not counting the 30+ horses in her barn. She doesn't own all the horses, but they're there. Like Daddy used to say, Dee Dee Gilyard was born on a horse!!!!! BTW ~ her brother, Kent, is getting ready to have a kidney transplant. He had a heart transplant several years ago and now the kidney. He's fighting off dialysis - sound familiar? - but is hoping that the xplant will happen right after the first of the year. He's got a donor - so it's just a matter of getting the everything settled.
Well, I slept in this morning so it's time to have some breakfast (it's been an hour since I took my levoxyl) and then get the dishes put away from yesterday. I may go out and look at new cars this afternoon. I really would like to go to AC Moore, but I am not going to fight that mob. I woke up in the middle of the night last night and when I turned on the radio, they were reporting that the exits to the Wrentham Outlets off of 495 were crammed, traffic was backed up for miles, parking spaces were nowhere to be found (and they had added 500 from last year) and fights were breaking out in the stores. There were some good deals, but you got killed getting to them. Hopefully, I'll be the only one looking at cars!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for, a lot to remember fondly, and hopes for a bright and happy future. Scoots, while I was working around in the kitchen yesterday morning, I had the local news on and they were broadcasting "hellos" from the troops in Iraq. I pictured you standing there saying hi to everyone. Can you let us know when you get our packages? Just so we know, and know what works and what doesn't work. Will work on Christmas this coming week.
Doesn't someone special have a birthday tomorrow????? In case I don't log on tomorrow ~ I may go to Ct. to a b'day party for Dennis' 60th ~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCOOTS!!!!!
Love to all and KYHD!
/Shennie
Turkey Day and News
Hi everyone, and a somewhat belated happy Thanksgiving. Our short trip to see family for Thanksgiving was really nice. I haven't seen my aunt, uncle, and cousins since Christmas, so it was nice to visit and still be able to come home that night. I hope David was able to reach everyone else, he said he was going to call, but his leave dates have been confirmed. Unfortunately, it's about a week too late to get to the Stargate convention, but I think somehow we'll deal. He sounds good, though he hasn't made it to a CHU yet (yeah, I was like "huh?" too. It's a combat housing unit). He was actually told to tell everyone to get Christmas presents in the mail before the end of November, so I guess everyone just needs to assume on the safe side and mail things out as soon as possible. For those of you still present hunting, I bought him Rock Band for his birthday, so don't buy it (he already knows, so I'm not spoiling anything).
Well, it's almost three in the morning, so I'm going to bed. Hope everyone had a great turkey day!
Oh, and PS, Jess, I don't know what time zone you have this blog set for, but it's three hours off for central time.
One more thing too, David said it's possible that he will be getting home next October/November. Something about how leave relates to the end of deployment and talk around the FOB. Wouldn't that be awesome?!
Well, it's almost three in the morning, so I'm going to bed. Hope everyone had a great turkey day!
Oh, and PS, Jess, I don't know what time zone you have this blog set for, but it's three hours off for central time.
One more thing too, David said it's possible that he will be getting home next October/November. Something about how leave relates to the end of deployment and talk around the FOB. Wouldn't that be awesome?!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving from the Fam!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I am really lost today. I do not have a crowd coming for turkey, stuffing, gravy,mashed potatoes, sweet potates and all the other goodies known to make for a wonderful T'day meal. It is a nice break though - because the above mentioned crowd + will be at the house for Christmas!! The only one not joining us in body will be David, though he will never be far from our thoughts and always in our prayers. I am thankful that he got to post a note today and I hope he gets some much needed rest. Sweet dreams.....
In a little while we will be heading to MO for an awesome family gathering with lots of food and fun! This "crowd" is a fantastic family that Jennie had the priviledge of marrying into. They are a fun and loving family that will be celebrating their first holiday season without their mom. She was a very special person. She raised 8 super kids who have continued her love of family by raising some very special kids of their own. I can hardly wait to celebrate this day with them!!
While Jessica and the hubs will not be with us today - they to are joining a very special family to celebrate the day. We wish them a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Chelsey and her family likewise will be with extended family in MO. I know that it will be a special day for them. I wish them safe travels and good times.
David - we will take lots of pictures today and post them ASAP so that you can share the day with us in spirit. We love you and miss you. Please know that there will be an even more special Thanksgiving dinner when you return home safe and sound.
Love and thanks to you and ALL the troops,
the Mom
In a little while we will be heading to MO for an awesome family gathering with lots of food and fun! This "crowd" is a fantastic family that Jennie had the priviledge of marrying into. They are a fun and loving family that will be celebrating their first holiday season without their mom. She was a very special person. She raised 8 super kids who have continued her love of family by raising some very special kids of their own. I can hardly wait to celebrate this day with them!!
While Jessica and the hubs will not be with us today - they to are joining a very special family to celebrate the day. We wish them a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Chelsey and her family likewise will be with extended family in MO. I know that it will be a special day for them. I wish them safe travels and good times.
David - we will take lots of pictures today and post them ASAP so that you can share the day with us in spirit. We love you and miss you. Please know that there will be an even more special Thanksgiving dinner when you return home safe and sound.
Love and thanks to you and ALL the troops,
the Mom
Thanksgiving Day Parade
This is my guilty little pleasure on Thanksgiving every year. I get up early and watch the parade. This year as a new float, Hello Kitty, floated on by, I couldn't help but laugh and giggle because a Robot Chicken episode kept running in my head. Here's the cute balloon:
And here is the Robot Chicken sketch that kept me giggling:
You are welcome for the laugh.
And here is the Robot Chicken sketch that kept me giggling:
You are welcome for the laugh.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
Hey everyone, just wanted to wish each and every one of you a Happy Iraqi Thanksgiving, full of cous cous, and god knows what else! (oh yea, ARMY CHOW.. mmmm...bloaty... lol) Anywho, its late and I just got off pulling almost a 36 hour shift (worked all day yesterday, pull Mission Commander station guard duty, slept for 30 minutes, went to chow, pulled another guard shift, went to chow with squad, flew from 1230L to 1730 (went to chow), and flew from 2030 till 2430... so I am exhausted. So goodnight everyone (and save a turkey drum for me! )
David
David
The People's Republic of Cambridge
For those of you not familiar with Cambridge, it is the home of two VERY prestigious universities and thousands of bleeding-heart liberals. For every tree in Cambridge, there's at least 3 tree huggers. There must be something in the air on that side of the Charles River. Why am I ranting about Cambridge in this blog. Let me explain by quoting one of the reporters on a local radio stations:
Cambridge does it again. This time it's to the Boy Scouts Troop 45 of Cambridge. All the troop wanted to do was put some donation boxes at city polling locations on election day to collect items for a care package for Cambridge military members deployed overseas. At first the city election department agreed and the Scouts put the plan into action. On election day after receiving a complaint the city election department pulled the collection boxes from the polling locations. The scouts were out of luck.
This is where Dan Rea comes in. While speaking with scout troop leader James Patterson the day after the election Dan Rea's listeners started calling in and suggested a new collection location. That location is the studios of WBZ News Radio. With the troop's help WBZ is making space for their collection boxes to be placed in the lobby of the WBZ's 1170 soldier's Field Road studios.
* * * * *
The tree huggers felt that by placing the boxes around town, they were supporting the war.
A hue and cry went out around the state and around the country. From all reports, the mayor's office and the Cambridge official website were inundated with all kinds of hate mail. It was fodder for water cooler discussions, editorials in all kinds of media, and a general disdain for the municipality's actions.
As a result, they are doing a huge amount of back-pedaling. They're falling all over themselves trying to make amends. Most of it is a lot of nothing and a poor excuse for rationale. Though they have never come out and apologized for their actions, they are now putting boxes in all municipal buildings in Cambridge trying to make up for their initial stupidity. Too little, too late.
To the folks in the people's republic of Cambridge I say shut up, wake up and grow up!
God bless our Troops!
Cambridge does it again. This time it's to the Boy Scouts Troop 45 of Cambridge. All the troop wanted to do was put some donation boxes at city polling locations on election day to collect items for a care package for Cambridge military members deployed overseas. At first the city election department agreed and the Scouts put the plan into action. On election day after receiving a complaint the city election department pulled the collection boxes from the polling locations. The scouts were out of luck.
This is where Dan Rea comes in. While speaking with scout troop leader James Patterson the day after the election Dan Rea's listeners started calling in and suggested a new collection location. That location is the studios of WBZ News Radio. With the troop's help WBZ is making space for their collection boxes to be placed in the lobby of the WBZ's 1170 soldier's Field Road studios.
* * * * *
The tree huggers felt that by placing the boxes around town, they were supporting the war.
A hue and cry went out around the state and around the country. From all reports, the mayor's office and the Cambridge official website were inundated with all kinds of hate mail. It was fodder for water cooler discussions, editorials in all kinds of media, and a general disdain for the municipality's actions.
As a result, they are doing a huge amount of back-pedaling. They're falling all over themselves trying to make amends. Most of it is a lot of nothing and a poor excuse for rationale. Though they have never come out and apologized for their actions, they are now putting boxes in all municipal buildings in Cambridge trying to make up for their initial stupidity. Too little, too late.
To the folks in the people's republic of Cambridge I say shut up, wake up and grow up!
God bless our Troops!
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