FOUR

26JUN07. Tuesday. Got the Golf Clubs and am having a blast. Still having a good time messing around with them. Did manage to set-up a putting course. That’s fun. And a good way to blow some time. Managed to get to the Post Office today. Finally got rid of some boxes which were laying around. I’m amazed at the stuff that collects. So, I’m doing my best at getting rid of the accumulated junk. Did manage to chat with the bride last night. Was a wonderful update on the homefront. Just back from Chow. Had some chicken. First in a long, long time. Well, I’ll sign off for now. Take Care. Doug

OOPS

24-25JUN07. Sunday-Monday. I’ve been so busy that I missed a couple of days. My humble apologies.

DELAY IN GAME

23JUN07. Saturday. Well it’s official. I was unable to get onto the Net again last night. My intent was to upload the Blog. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I failed miserably. Will try to upload again tonight. Still have a ride in mind over this weekend. But, with the workload, it will probably have to wait. I am really enjoying the folks I’m with. Great bunch of chaps to work with. Everyone is working their tail off. I mean everyone. Will try to watch the Exorcist of Mary Rose (or something like that). Ter, I hope your procedure went well. Will try to keep everyone in the loop. Take care. Love Doug.

EUREKA

22JUN07. Friday. Failed to update the blog last night. Just became inundated with work. Will try again tonight. Did however, find a couple of gifts for the girls….Finally. I have been looking high and low for just the right thing for the girls. Didn’t think they would like Spiders, Scorpions, etc. But, I did find what I believe to be just the right thing. Really enjoying the snacks and crossword puzzles. I actually look forward to completing them during small respites. Getting ready to watch “The Exorcist”. Won’t last through the movie. I’m sleepy already. Couple of buddies and I are gonna try and get out to take some pics this weekend. Will take the truck and find some decent scenery. Initially, we wanted to get some golf balls and hit them into the Mine Field. But, no Golf Balls nor Club. So, the next best thing is to go 4-wheeling. Will let you know how it turns out. Take care. Will write when I can. Will try to update the Blog tonight.
Love those who Love me…Doug

THE NEVER ENDING STORY

21JUN07. Thursday. Last Night went by quickly. The entire Unit was working feverishly throughout the night. Daylight quickly turned into afternoon. Still, I’m simply amazed at how quickly the time is going by. I also reflect back on how neat some of the folks I work with are. I have one guy who is a Colorado State Trooper. Another is a Real Estate Broker from California who is 6 credits shy of a Jurist Doctorate. All in all, a bunch of really neat people. I’m pretty honored to serve with. Well, enough with the Flag Waving. Got some shot yesterday for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Hepatitis. The Shot Still hurts a little. Watched Jennifer 8. Kinda so-so movie. Just enough to get me sleepy. Well, I know this is not much. But, did want to put some words to paper. Love to all who love me. Doug

CANDY LITTLE BOY?

20JUN07. Wednesday. Just finished a flick with Demi More called Half Light. Don’t waste your time nor money on it. Unless of course there is absolutely nothing else to watch. Man o Man did that movie suck. Also got a package from Dad & Pat. Thanks Guys. The Koolaid, Licorice, and News Journal will not last long. But, does hit the sweet tooth. Don’t believe I’ve ever created as many Power Point Presentations in my life. But, if we are gauging the war on the number of Briefs required, we win hands down. Hope all is well. Oh, I was one of the luck recipients to get yet another Shot. This one for some disease from some country. All I know is it aches. Well, I’m getting ready to Crash. Luv you all. Doug

MINIMUM WAGE

19JUN07. Tuesday. Managed to talk with the family last night. Guess the boy is starting his trip down south with his grandparents. The middle girl got her Certificate to Crash our Cars, and the Eldest Girl still has no JOB. Still, was great to hear them on the phone. Also chatted with the wife for some time. Was a pretty good chat, until we broke down and started to cry. Had to end the call after that. Did manage to end out the night on a good note. Well, now I’m back at the Hootch. Trying to finish the movie I started yesterday. Hopefully, I’ll be successful. Doug

A PROUD HUSBAND AND FATHER

18JUN07. Monday. I am absolutely astounded by the number of compliments I receive on the photos of our family. I am “almost” at a loss of words when folks say that. What I do know, is that we sorely miss each other…Well, enough of the sad stuff. It’s been a really busy night. Not much time for me to even take a pause. Still, it’s better to be busy. The time goes by quickly. Moreover, the work is really rewarding. On the buddy front, I am able to still get email from my buddies back in the US. Got some email jokes about golfing from the golf group. Some semi-nude pics from my navy buddies (thanks for getting my in trouble guys), as well as well-wishes from colleagues at work. All which translate into the fact that I am being missed. I know in my heart that I miss you guys. Well, it’s been a long, long, night. I’ll kick back, eat some cheerios, and watch “Where Eagles Dare”. Take Care for now. Doug

AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEL

17JUN07. Sunday. Happy Fathers Day “Officially”. Guess the family will be celebrating the occasion with a outdoor BBQ. Sounds like the best thing on a lazy summer day. Raise a Toast to all the Dads for me. Boss brought me into the office yesterday. Game me an opportunity to excel. What does that mean? More work, same pay. Just doesn’t get any better. Getting pretty tired. Gonna Crash here in a minute. Just wanted to say hi, you guys are in my thoughts. Oh, before I forget. I get the best compliments regarding our a couple of our family pics I brought to work. Just to let you know. I, of course already know that…I’m kinda biased. Well, good night. Doug

THE WINDY CITY

16JUN07. Saturday. What a Windy Day. The Gusts are incredible. The howling outside is pretty neat. Didn’t get a chance to watch a flick today. It has been a hectic day. Can’t go into lots of details. However, I will say that I am ready to crash right now. Did have a wonderful chat with my bride. Really left me with an enduring smile. I warmly think back to our chat. The kids are pitching in to help, That is a big step. I really like that. Well, I’m exhausted. Will crash Love Doug

SCARY MOVIE

15JUN07. Friday. TFIG. Only two more days til Monday….Just finished watching a scary movie called “High Tension.” Save your money. If it wasn’t free, I would not be watching it. God, what a crummy movie. Some of my Hootch mates have departed yesterday. What they left was quickly picked over by the few who remained behind. I snagged a couple of plastic storage bins for my buddy. Heard someone else getting the 3 coat hangers. Just as soon as the Rack was cold, somebody else was quickly filling the void. Last Saturday we took a truck and went out for an adventure. Might just do the same thing shortly. A couple of the golfers here are scheming to get a club, couple of balls, and a makeshift driving range. This should be interesting if we pull it off. I’ll certainly keep you in the loop. Might be quite interesting. Well, will be uploading the Blog tomorrow. Hope all is well. Doug

SHIPSHAPE

14JUN07. Thursday. Still enjoying the Father’s Day Package. Bit by Bit. Piece by Piece. Thanks for the wonderful gesture. It really makes me happy to be a dad and husband. Got to the Exchange and got a haircut finally. Was starting to look like a hippie. While there, I bumped into a Chief I met at Fort McRae. We got caught up for a few minutes. His job in the Navy is doing paperwork, such as evaluations and awards. He offered to review my evaluations and awards while here. What a nice gesture. So, that said. I think I’ll hammer away at my evaluations while I can and rely on the expert to review. Again, what a nice gesture. As I think back, I was his Squad Leader while we were playing Army. I guess I didn’t tic-off too many folks while there. On a separate note, lots of folks are flying back tonight. I said a handful of goodbyes. Well, my turn is in the distant future. Well, think I’ll crash for now. Take Care and Thanks for the Well Wishes and Love. Doug

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

13JUN07. Wednesday. My, how time flies. Lots of folks leaving in a few days. The place is a-buzz with activity. People are packing, saying goodbye, etc. I’m a little envious. Will try to get to the Base Exchange for a Haircut tomorrow. Gotta keep my golden locks trimmed. Received my Father’s Day Package last night. The box was chocked-full of goodies. Chips, candies, and goodies. The kids sent some personalized items. Shannon a wonderful framed pic of her as a BABY. Kris sent a Neat Pillow-thingy???? Ryan sent a neat card with some warmly felt words. Terri also sent a wonderful card. Lastly, Phyl sent some crosswords from the Paper. Thanks to all. It was timely and well received. I love you all. Will try to call tonight and also relay my thanks and love. Take Care for Now. Doug

ROAD TRIP

12JUN07. Tuesday. Looks like the Seabees are remodeling again. Good thing too, I was sleeping okay. Nothing like a little banging to lul you to sleep. Called Terri last night, got thru on the first try. Sounds like the kids are well occupied. The girls are doing their thing. The boy is doing his. And, we’re somewhere in the middle. Guess, we are “maintaining.” Terri is doing a wonderful job at keeping everything together. Don’t know how she does it. My hat goes off to her. Aunt Sharon responded to the Blog Yesterday. I replied in kind. Sound as if my parents are taking a road trip south for a visit. Our boy is included in the Road Trip. Sounds like a wonderful time in the making. Hope all goes well. Take Care for now. Doug

MOVIE NITE

11JUN07. Monday. Well, ate the last of my local food. It was a definite change from the bland Dining Hall food. I savored every bit. Did show up early to work to watch a Movie. Turned out to be the movie “300”. Kinda like a cartoon. I didn’t really like it. However, it did remove me from work for about 1 ½ Hours. So, it was a welcomed “team-building event”. Just back from the PT. Will finish watching the James Bond DVD then crash. Another successful day past. Will post the blog on the web tonight. Take care. Doug

DINING OUT

10JUN07. Sunday. Last night some Local Nationals decided to get some decent food. So, we had a nice dinner of Kabobs and Rice. What a nice change. Also got some news that tonight is Movie Night again. Hope the movie is a decent one. The puppet movie Team America sucked. Regardless, it’s about an hour we don’t have to fuss about work. Whee…So, that’s the highlight of my day or night. Getting decent food from the locals. And watching a movie. Speaking of which, I’m about to watch the James Bond DVD “Casino Royal”. Will update when I can. Take Care Love Me. Doug

ROAD TRIP

9JUN07. Saturday. Took the van to the Base Exchange today. My friend wanted to get some shorts. This is his 3rd trip to find shorts which are Regular Large. Gratefully, the lady had 2 pair in back. So, my friend got his shorts, and I got some skin lotion. Because he’s new, we took a tour of the base. What a hot, dusty ride. Still, it was kinda fun. Think we’re gonna do the same thing next week and take along a camera./ What Fun. Another guy left yesterday and gave away all his DVD. Seems he was hoarding his collection. So, I got some flicks I have not seen yet. Will get cracking on them as I Speak. Have a Great Weekend. Drink a Beer for me. Take Care. Doug

I’VE GOT ANTS IN MY PANTS

8JUN07. Friday. The ants are back with a vengeance. Guess, I didn’t squirt them enough with the Bug Killer. Still have plenty to spare. The weather is very nice in the morning hours. Reminds me a little of home. Today’s movie line up will probably be Vertical Limit. I’ll let you know how it goes. For Breakfast, looks like Honey Nut Cheerios mixed with Milk that does not require refrigeration. You heard me right. The milk has a shelf life of 5years before going bad. Top the meal off with the medication Doxyclycline for malaria and we are in business. On a separate note, got off the phone with Terri last night. Just good to hear from your Soul Mate every once in a while. Did my Heart Glad. Seems Terri gets more news regarding my sister and her baby that through her own resources. Too Funny. Well, gonna pig out and watch the flick. Take Care. Doug

BUGS, BUGS, BUGS

7JUN07. Thursday. Finally got to update the Blog last night. Now, you can peek into my world of nothingness. Seabees are working on a new shower nearby. It’s a thing of beauty. Lots of Steel, Welding, and men grunting. This will probably take a few days to complete. Still, it looks pretty neat. On a separate note, the ants have shown up again. However, a couple of shots of the Bug Spray, and it drives us out of the Hootch. Oh, wait. I mean, it drives the Ants out. Days are pretty much the same old routine. Which, ain’t too bad (all things considered). Little Chow, Little PT, Little Sleep, and Lots of Work. Well, I’m gonna read a little of my book, turn out the lite, and sleep. Take Care. Doug

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

6JUN07. Wednesday. Another day, another dollar. Well, it’s Wednesday again. Another lovely day overseas. Birds are chirping, Seabees are working. Who could ask for anything more? Failed to update the Blog last night. Will give it the College Try tonight. Oh, watched the Movie “Bringing Down the House” with Steve Martin and Queen Latifa. Pretty funny. On another note, got my hearing tested the other day. The Doc told me I’m loosing some hearing in the “Vocal Range.” So, if I don’t respond you know why….Some call it a “Wife Switch.” Not Me. Well, I’m gonna crash now. Take Care. Doug

POST CARDS FROM AFAR

5JUN07. Tuesday. Got thru on the Phones to Terri and the kids last night. Talking with everyone really left me in a happy mood. Seems the Kid’s Car is broken again. Needed some new calipers. More money. On the upside, the car was Free. Also, looks like one of our little girls is getting a job soon. The other is not far behind her. With both A driver’s license in the near future. The boy, well he’s typical boy. Staying up late at sleepovers, etc. Oh, all family members received a Post Card from Qatar. My son asked if that was the Hotel I was staying. I replied No. I’m in a Tent. Too Funny. Well, back to the routine. Take Care for Now. Doug

BIRDS ALOFT

4JUN06. Monday. A Bird’s Song is in the air. Rather, several small birds chirping under the eaves of the Hootch. I’m thinking of getting a cat….. Seabees are hard at work again. Looks like they’re repairing a door nearby. That will probably take a couple of weeks. Oh, got a package of snacks from Terri yesterday. Thanks Baby. The Boating Magazine was also a nice addition. Some of the new guys just got their baggage. They have been scrounging living supplies for the last few days. Kinda Funny. I loaned a guys some gear to get him by. Wish I could relay some neat and interesting news like R&R, or some other snazzy event. Yet, same ole’ thing. Did watch Spy Game with Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. Was an Okay Move. Just enough to get sleepy. Will update soon. Doug

DOWN DAY

3JUN06. Sunday. Another fine navy day. Last night seemed to come and go. On the Upside, another day has gone by – Another day closer. Just got back from working out. Didn’t get a chance get a workout in last night. Wish I had some neat and compelling information to share. Unfortunately, I don’t. For today’s movie line up – Spy Game. Wonder what that’s about. Have Castaway with Tom Hanks that I’ll probably watch tomorrow night. Too many decisions. Well, Will update when I can. Doug

YARD SALE

2JUN07. Saturday. Another fine day at the office. Managed to jot down to the Base Exchange today. Needed to get a couple of things. Unfortunately, they were sold out. New shipments come in every Thursday, and are subsequently snapped up. Reminds me of arriving late to a yard sale. Lots of clothes to select from, all in XXX Large or X small. Finally made it into a decent sleep pattern….again. Only took a couple of days to get back into the swing of things. That is Waking at 12:30AM at night and Going to Bed at 2:00PM in the afternoon. Well, speaking of bedtime. I watched King Kong yesterday. Will try to watch the Narnia. Take Care.

SUCCESS

1JUN07. Friday. Finally managed to update the blog last night. Loaded a couple of pictures to go along with the latest post. Its starting to rain as I write. Why is this significant? This delays my visit to the Base Exchange for a day. The walk is quite a trek in and of itself. Will plan to do a trip tomorrow morning. We got some new people while I was away. They look as dazed and confused as I did originally. Doing my best a teaching them some “Tricks of the Trade”. Seems nobody else is leaning forward to assist. Well, I’m gonna try and rack out here shortly. Just wanted to keep my family and friends in the loop. Take care for now. Doug

THE GRIND

31MAY07. Thursday. Well, I made it through the night. Still a little tired. Trying to get back onto nights is a little challenging at best. Did manage to talk with Terri last night. That really lifted my spirits. Memorial Day has come and gone. Unfortunately, we didn’t even notice. I almost feel like Tom Hanks on Castaway. Don’t know what day of the week it is. Don’t know if it’s a holiday or not. Well, will try to get onto a computer tonight and update the Blog. Hopefully, the pictures have come out from our R&R. Will talk when I can. Doug

WHAT DAY IS IT

30MAY07. Friday. Tossed and turned most of the time I should have been asleep. Just couldn’t get settled. Trying to get back onto nights is a bear. Well, at least there are no Rockets Inbound. Doug

SAFE & SOUND

29MAY07. Tuesday. Finally Landed Safely. After a 27Hour Transit from Qatar, Kuwait, then back here. Not bad for a Scheduled 3Hour Flight. Needless to say, we were exhausted. After arriving, we got our gear and walked to the Compound. After dropping our gear at the Hootch, we got to work and reported in. We were both dragging butt and requested the day off. Thankfully, they agreed. I slept for 14 hours straight…..Will update when I can. Doug

LAST CALL

28MAY07. Monday. Got word we depart tonight at 1100PM. Unfortunately, my buddy and I have signed up for a Trip Tomorrow. We are not going to make it. Will swing by and change into my uniform. Bar Opens at 800PM. Will swing by and drown our sorrows with 3 beers before leaving. Will not have too much time to write. Will do so when I can. Doug

HURRY UP & WAIT

26-27MAY07. Lots of hurry up and wait. Although my buddy and I are signed up for several trips, nothing has materialized. Still, a good day to do laundry. Time is going by so quickly. Hopefully, we’ll get on a good trip tomorrow. Doug