Crisp Saturday

29SEP07. Saturday. Good, Crisp day here in-country. Finally broke-down and bought a second shirt. Was actually looking for a sweatshirt. However, the next shipment is several weeks away. I know, I know. Bitch, Bitch, Bitch. That's all I seem to do. I did 'Plan" on going to the Bazaar today. However, events beyond my control did not permit that. Still, couple of my guys did venture there and returned with some movies. Finally. Also, might be busy again and out of communicaitons shortly. So, don't fret if you don't hear from me in a while. I'm scouring the country for Travelocity. Looking for those elusive Bread-&-Breakfast Places not frequented by the average tourist. Will certainly keep you in the loop.

Friday Night Activities...

28SEP07. Friday. Happy Hour....everywhere but here. Another day in Tropicana. Having such a wonderful time. Temps are dropping quickly. No cold weather gear nearby. Fantastic! You can only layer so many T-shirts and not look like a hobo.....The Stinky Pony is barely noticeable. Only smells like a skunk today....Sounds like Terri is busy with the kids. Running around hitting the games for band, volleyball, etc. Sounds like some neat stuff. Ah, Home Sweet Home. Will update when I can. doug

DANDY SURPRISE

26SEP07. Wednesday. What a Dandy Surprise - received a letter from my nephew. Had some really cute drawings inside of his family. Further, he mentions his little sister. Which by kid standards is a real leap. Really brightened my day. Tried to get a decent run in today before we got busy. Managed to get by the Poop Plant, the wind shifted, and Filled My Lungs with Tainted Air. Almost Puked. What a Dandy Surprise....What's kinda interesting, inspiring and neat are my friends in the Reserve who remain really, really supportive. That is really neat and something I can never place a price on. The Weather is getting noticibly cooler. And of course the majority of my cold-weather gear is far, far, away. Figures...... Well, got to get busy. Take Care for Now. Doug

Aother Day of Rest and Relaxation

25SEP07. Tuesday. Howdy All. Other than it being Tuesday night, the last few hours have been a complete blur. We've been busy, busy, busy. Typically catching little naps here and there. It's been intense to say the least....Temps have been dropping steadily. It's getting quite nippy here. So, I can't forsee wearing short too much longer. Got a decent overview of things back home. Seems Terri has everything well in order - as always. Keep up the good work. On a seperate note, seems like my Navy Reserve unit is sending several people to join me in the fun and festivities. It will be great to see some familiar faces. Well, running out of things to write about. Take care for now. Doug

GO PACK!!!

23SEP07. Sunday. Got a Cable Feed from Europe. Watching the Packers play San Diego. The score is 21-17 Chargers in the lead; Fourth Quarter. Hope they win. Looks exciting. About 50 guys huddled around a TV switching between games. Still, at least they have the game here. And, its 11:30Local. Too Funny....Oh, Stench-o-Meter is low today. Can hardly smell any foul air. Will try to take some more photos as time permits. Will update accordingly. Doug
PS I need a haircut in the worst way.

THE WEEKEND IS HERE!!

22SEP07. Saturday. The weekend is here. The weekend is here. Only two more days of work until Monday. Hooray. Another fine day in the Sandbox. Catching some rays, listening to the tunes, sipping on a brew....Oh, wait. It's just a dream. Stench isn't too bad today. Can hardly notice the thousands of gallons of raw sewage not far from me. Certainly makes one appreciate the simple things in life. I've attached a few pictures of the working area. Just a Dust Bowl. Hope all is well with each and everyone of you. Take Care for now. I'll try to update again. Doug

Times Up

21SEP07. Friday. Another day of fun in the sun. The Stench isn't too bad today. And, I will be able to take a shower shortly. Ah, the simple things in life. I don't want to cram too much into my wish list. I was toying with the idea of doing laundry. Will hold off tho. Don't want to jinx the water supply. Did get a wonderful package from a company in the DC area. I believe a good friend of mine was behind this little effort. Well, a big shout-out to THE ANALYTICAL CORP. Thanks Guys. The Goodies were well received by all. They didn't last long. When I left this afternoon, some gatoraid was left. Not much else to write home to mom about. Did finally get a decent phone to chat with Terri On. Was really good to hear her voice. Well, gotta be kinda brief, the time up on the Machine. Doug

HOCKEY IN THE DESERT??

20SEP07. Thursday. Well, watched a street Hockey Game in the desert. Give it to the Candaians. They managed to hook-up several games a night. It's probably the best couple of hours each night. Certainly has a captive audience. Also received a package from Terri, had the local newspaper included which lauded our eldest daughters success in Volleyball. I posted it proudly of course. Also, really enjoyed the recent installment of Crossword Puzzles. Thx.

On a seperate note, lot of construction going on around us. And fortunatley, with fatigue setting in, the heavy machinery barely disturbs us. Well, wish I had a lot to convey. Unfortunatley, I don't. Take Care for Now. Will update when I can. Doug

BAND PRACTICE

19SEP07. Wednesday. Wow, only two more days until the weekend. Can't wait. Will probably try to go fishing. Oh, wait, it's only a dream. I'm still here in the sandbox. Getting plenty of time to sweat in the heat. Oh, have some more Distinguished Visitors visiting sometime over the next few weeks. Yet another chance to move the Ever-persistant dust around. Can't wait. Still, the routine is not too varied. However, the folks I work with are pretty neat. So, all in all, it's not too bad. Shannon has a movie from band. I attached it above. Hope it works. Take care for now. Doug

HOT, HOT, HOT

17-18SEP07. Long, long, nights. Longer days. Keeping very busy tho. I am actively engaged, so the hours just seem to fly by. My position allows me to meet a lot of neat and interesting people. So, I really can't complain. The days are still hot and the nights are cooler. The dust and putrid smell are persistant. Wish I had something really neat and intersting to relay from here. First several weeks of school and the kids seem to be adjusting. Doug

COLDER AND COLDER

17SEP07. Monday. Well, the tempreatures are really, really, dropping. Gotta wear a jacket a night into early morning now. Good thing I packed them. Oh, did I tell you that I finally got my weapons and luggage from Fort Bragg. They arrived a few days ago. Unfortunately, I am nowhere near where my luggage is.....Got to love the military. Sounds like the family is eeking by. The after school activies seem to be increasing with the Football game being the center of the teens universe. Ter was telling me how neat the Band is. Wish I had a lot to relay. Other than the status of my laundry.....They're done.
Will update when I can. Doug\

WHAT TIME IS IT???

14-15SEP07. Friday-Saturday. Just woke a few hours ago. Band is playing in the background, the sun is setting, and the sewer pond is putrid. Another day in paradise. I finally coordinate with some local nationals to fix a water pump. It was a source of entertainment to watch for a few hours. I thought I had some challenges when installing our old pool pump...... I was also informed that we had some Distinguished Visitors visit the place. All my guys (including me) slept through the visit. Just as well. The guys are exhausted. Hope the snoring didn't disturb the visitory. Unfortunately, some other guys had to get all dolled-up for the Distinguished Visitory (and stay awake). Not us, so I'm thanking my lucky stars. Well, I wish I had lots to relay. Sadly, I don't. Will go for some PT here shortly. All my Love. Doug

ANOTHER BUSY DAY

12SEP07. Wednesday. Wow, where does the time go? Spent 29hrs awake. Absoutely crashed til midday. Lots going on. Non-stop work. Looking at the same routine tonight-tomorrow, til???? Still, does make the time fly. Not a lot to pass along. The Stink is Persistant tho. My little nephew wrote me a letter. What a nice letter it was. I was simply amazed it made it to me....Well, will write when I can. Take Care. Doug

BLUR

11Sep07. Tuesday. What a blur. I almost don't know what day it is. After 16hrs, slept for 4 and now back at it. Still, does make the time fly....Hope all is well with you and yours. My wife remineded me it was the anniversary of 9-11. Too weird. Wonder how many Mall Americans remember this date? Doug

Green Bay Packers WIN!!!

10Sep07. Monday. Well, another busy day at the office. Lots going on - with a long night planned. Thought I'd take this opportunity to touch base with my friends and family. Was able to see a rebroadcast of the Packer Game from yesterday. What an amazing game with an equally amazing ending. That's has been the best football game I've seen since being over here. Matter of fact, it's the only game I've been able to watch. Well, others are in line to use this machine. so, I'll sign off for now. Doug

THE PAY SUCKS

9SEP07. Sunday. Seems the other army's supporting the war take sunday off. It almost looks like a beach setting. People playing volleyball, soccer, and Rugby. The majority of NATO partners are certainly enjoying the day. Conversely, we are still grinding away. On a Sour Note, it seems as if we are experiencing not only pay problems, but also travel reimbusement problems. I know that I racked-up about $5K worth of charges while Training. However, the navy only paid half. What's worse, I will be unable to do anything about it for several weeks....Boy, that's one constant that I can always depend on. The Pay Sucks.... Doug

FRESH AIR!!!

8SEP07. Saturday. What a breath of Fresh Air. Literally. The Open Sewer smell isn't blowing over the campt today. And it smells great - Dusty, but great. Finally did some laundry last night. And, I was amazed at the Hi-Tech Washing Machines that were avaiable. It took me a couple of minutes to fiqure out the dials and buttons. All this technology in the middle of nowhere. Too Funny. The Brits have a chow hall nearby and we have started to eat there. Different and interesting Cuisine. Also, all the NATO forces eat there as well. This includes the Germans, French, Spain, and several other countries. Kinda clash of cultures. Well, that's the latest. I'm on Battery Power at the momemnt. The generator died. Take Care for Now. Doug

DAY IN PARADISE

7SEP07. Friday. As I walked the dusty road to my latest beddown location. I couldn't help but think I was in paridise. While trying to negotiate the massive gravel, stones, and dust clouds generated by tactical vehicles - I was overcome by the familiar odor of the open sewer pond which was borne by the prevailing winds over the camp. What a Paradise. Good thing I wasn't on my way to chow. Well, I'm staying very busy with access to phones almost a "luck of the draw." Fortunately, Interenet Kiosk remained open and, although I had to wait. It still seems to be working okay. Wish I had a lot of juicy news to broadcast. Unfortunatley, it's the same ol' thing for me. Hope all is well with you and yours. Will update when I can. Doug

SUPPO

6SEP07. Thursday. Spent the majority of the day running around getting supplies together. Almost Feel like I'm in the wrong line of duty. Still tho, meeting a bunch of neat folks. Each wanting to help in any way possible. The living conditions are, um, primative. But, after long hours fatigue sets-in and the Cot never felt so good. Having the time of my life. Wish you were here. Only kidding. The work is very interesting and rewarding. I'm doing my best at keeping fit and healthy. Some folks are sick already. Luckily, I havn't gotten any bug yet. And by the way, my stuff is still at fort bragg in a warehouse.....too funny
will update when i can. doug

PAY SUCKS

5SEP07. Wednesday. Well, another day, another dollar. Why the focus on pay? Simply put, this deploymemnt is definately not a money maker. In retrospect, I remember paying my Travel Bill upfront ($6,000) worth. With the bills rolling in, and not being reimbursed until after I get "Boots on Ground." Same was true at Fort Bragg. That trip cost me $5,700 bucks. And, I still havent heard about myI travel claim yet. So, deployment is not for the faint of heart, nor is it cheap. I can only imagine how the lower paygrades cope.....Boy is this system broke. Ok, I'm done venting...Doug

HOT HOT HOT

4SEP07. Tuesday. Another Fine day in the Sandbox. Just back from Lunch (my breakfast). I'm trying to get as much sleep as possible. Cause I really don't know when we will have that luxury again. Unfortunately, the heat in the tent does get oppressive. That seems to be the wake-up criteria. Over the past couple of days, we have had unlimited access to the Telephone. So, I've almost abused the privilege to call my bride. Kinda neat to hear all the family members actively engaged with their friends. As for me, I'm seeing more of the Country than the reporter from National Geographic. One of the stops was at some old French Fort. Where the writing on the buildings were from the Colonization of the Country (back in the 1800's or early 1900's or so). So, that's kinda interesting. The Showers and Toilets are Co-Ed. Yes, I said Co-Ed. Talk about close company! Unfortunately, the plumbing system hasn't been updated since.... Happily, there has not been any drainage problems yet....... Ah, the adventures of military life. Well, that's a quick peek for the day. Hope all is well with you and yours. Take Care for Now. Will update when I can. Doug

WORKING ON MY TAN

3SEP07. MONDAY. Happy Labor Day. Hopefully everyone is enjoying the day off. I know I had a surprise today. The chow hall was serving Steaks and King Crab! I never would have guessed it. In the middle of nowhere (and I mean nowhere) we are eating like Kings. All in celebration of Labor Day. Too Funny...... Any way, while I was digesting my dinner, I thought I'd try to update my humble little Blog. Well, it was another Hot Day. The "Industrial AC Unit" is dying outside. The Unit blows mainly hot air around the Tent. Regardless, it does get prettcool at night. Enough to cover up with a big blanket. On the upside, I am getting some sun and working on my Tan. Well, again, I'm running out of things to say. So, I'll go ahead and close for now. Hope everyone enjoys their day off. Take Care for Now. Doug

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

2SEP07. Sunday. Yet another fun-filled day of non-stop action in the Sandbox. It's a shame I don't get Frequent Flier Points for Travel. I'd be racking them up. I'm getting to see a little of the country side. The majority of what I've seen is pretty interesting and neat. However, there are some significant downsides. The biggest are the Heat and Dust. The dust is everywhere. And I mean Everywhere!!! One of the most frustrating is the dust getting into your hair, ears, eyes and nose. The heat is pretty bad which forces the majority of work later in the day. Lot of guys I'm working with I've known before. A few new faces in this crowd. Still, the work is pretty interesting and very rewarding. I was able to chat with my Bride yesterday. What a real pick-me-upper. Well, I'm running out of things to say. So, unti I can get to a computer again. Take Care. Doug

CHANGES IN LATTITUDES; CHANGES IN ATTITUDES

1SEP07. Saturday. What a flurry of activity. Finally got so see some of the country - albiet at night. After a marathon session of no-sleep, I successfully relocated within country. And boy what a change in the weather - for the worse. Just a few days ago I was commenting on how nice the weather was becoming. Can't say that now. The folks I'm working with are pretty neat. And, with a "Skeleton Staff" everyone seems to be doing several jobs at once. The place is still new to me, so after this post I'll go explore. Take Care for now. Doug