DRAGGIN'

27OCT07. Saturday. Have a few Distinguished Visitors running around. So, I broke down and got my Haircut and Beard Trimmed. If you would have told me I'd be wearing a beard here, I'd swear you were crazy. Let's not even discuss the civilian attire. Let alone not packing nearly enought civvies. Guess that's why they say "War is Hell"/./...Ha Ha. Hoepfully everyone reading this humble update is getting some basic info from the Desert. I know it has been a godsend for my family. It at least provides a conduit to say "I'm ok". Kids are growing way too fast. Next thing is driving, job, college, etc.....where do it go??? Well it's still cold here. Might be bugging out sometime. Will do my best to keep y0u informed. Know that I dearly miss you all. Take care for now. Doug

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT

24-26OCT07. Wednesday-Friday. Guess we really ticked off some people. The Bad Guys shot 4 Rockets at us yesterday. The Second woke me - by gently flinging me into the air. It was like someone dropped a car outside the window. Scared the SHI* out of me. The Round landed about 70 meters away. Left a Pretty impressive hole in the Wall/Ground. Barely missed the Fuel Bladders. So, that was my excitement for the day. Fortunately, we left that evening....Later that day I got a Package from Aunt Sharon and Daddy. All the goodies were shared with my fellow warriors. The Shirt and Sweatshirt are coming in handy. Also, dad provided the local rag for me to partake. And, as luck would have it, left the crossword for me to complete. Again, the last few days were simply a flurry of activity. We really, really pissed off some Bad Guys.....Well, that's pretty much the events of the last few days. Same ole stuff, different day. Take Care. Doug

RED EYE

22-23OCT07. Monday-Tuesday. At the time of this writing, I'm almost embarassed to share how long we've been up. Needless to say, it has been at almost two days. But, the end is almost near. We have been very active and very productive. Got word the other day to pack my 3-day bag, I was leaving in 2 hrs. So, launch and recover - then straight to work. I'm thinking I packed way too much....Haven't had the opportunity to even crack my bag, nor use any clean clothes. What is nice, is the weather is a little mild here, so I can't complan...too much. Although, I do feel like a grub. Well, wanted to let all know I was alright. Will update when and where I can. doug

BRRRR. BABY, IT'S COLD

21OCT07. Sunday. Boy has the tempreature dropped. Man is it cold and getting colder....Glad I have my Cold Weather Gear on. Just getting into the swing of activities of this area where I'm now located. Feels like an old, familiar friend. Still tho, nothing like home. Don't know how long I'll be here tho. Regardless, I'm milking every moment. Loving the Gym, Exchange (although limited), and the luke warm shower (4 minutes worth). Talked with my bride, seems she's as busy as a bee. Juggling work, kids, and car troubles. It's gotta be hectic.....All seems to be going well here. I'm busy as well. Only thing that keeps me sane. Ha. Well, can't think of too much else to relay other that I'll update when I can. Doug

HO HUM..

20OCT07. Saturday. Today is just another day in the life. Finally got my gear and not a day too soon. Seems they uloaded the palet from the C130 and dropped it somewhere on the Compound. That Said, we searched the Compound and found it adjacent to the Shoot House. Too Funny. Nothing like loosing your gear within a 500 meter compound!!! So, at the time of this writing, I finally unpacked and can now change my wardrobe a little. Ha, Ha. Wish I could say a lot is happening but, I'd be lying.... Actually some neato stuff, But I'd have to kill you. Only Kidding.. Take Care for now. Good Luck Terri (You know what I mean). Doug

BACK TO BASICS

19OCT07. Friday. Well, met with my good buddy Jim last night. Haven't seen him in quite some time. Actually felt good to get caught up. He's departing in about a month or so. Further, seems the majority of staffers are turning over in November. So, new crew from the ground up. Still, I'll be here at the grindstone. The Tempreature is really dropping now. Down into the 40s. Glad I have my Coat...Oh, got back and lots of folks didn't recongnize us. My guess - it's probably due to the long hair and beards...It's just a guess. I can't wait to get to the little PX here. Whereas it doesn't have much, it's the center of activity for many. Well, wish I had lots to relay other than I'm fat dumb and healthy. Take Care for now. Doug

CHANGES ARE CONSTANT

18OCT07. Thursday. Well, the only constant in this universe is change. Over the next few weeks my ability to write may be limited. We'll just have to wait and see....Wish I could say there was an "Upside" but I'd be kidding myself. Trying to get caught up on Laundry tonight - thus, no Volleyball. I hope the signage in my last post raised some eyebrows. This is the soft underside of the military. Things you won't see in the Stars and Stripes......Wish I had a lot to relay tonight, but I don't. Will update when time allows. Doug

SIGN OF THE TIME

17OCT07. Wednesday. Some rules were just made to be broken. I was reflecting on some signs that I see every day. And, unless you're here it's really hard to explain. So, I thought I'd take a moment to include some signs that mess me up on a regular basis. I believe the signs are self explainaitory. On a different note, we managed to catch another vermin within our office spaces. Haven't seen signs of any more. Still, just the same, we'll keep the guns loaded...er., traps set.

Played another game of volleyball with the locals. What a blast. I think I need to take a couple of aspirin for aches and pains. Playing by the light of a generator does pose some challenges. Yet, all playing seem to ignore majority of the inconviences. I'm just happy to have an outlet of enjoyment. Well, not much else happening here. Will update when I can. Doug

METRICS

16OCT07. Tuesday. The running count for dead mice is up to 2. They Love Peanut Butter......Kinda laid back day today. Was a welcomed break from the norm. Went to our little Gym for a bit, followed by a couple of meetings, then off to play. The Locals challenged us to Volleyball and almost smoked out ass.....Best 2 of 3 games. Seems they play the same positions over and over. Whereas, we rotate our players. So, their ringers seem to be pretty static; i.e., one good spiker, one good set man, one good dinker, etc. Still, it was a blast. And now I ache all over. Waiting for the "Ranger Candy" (ibuproben) to kick in. Managed to chat with Terri and dad tonight. What a wonderful pick me up. Seems Terri is very busy running around for the kids. Volleyball, Band, Scouts, etc. Ryan is really astonishing us with his level of good grades in school. Just a lot of things called life occuring....Well, other than the Volleyball game, the building rafters are going up today. And, the racked they make is barely perceptable. Even with earplugs in...the noise of aircraft taking off 100meters aways almost drowns out the sound of saws...Almost. Still, a little fatigue goes a long way towards sleep. Well, that's the latest I guess. Hope is well with you. Will update when I can. Doug

FOREMAN DOUG

15OCT07. Monday. Well, with all the new construction projects going on, I have adopted a new title - Foreman. I have the Seabees putting in a new building on the compound. In addition, I have some local contractors installing cabling around the facility. All while I'm at work. Needless to say, when an issue arises such as (1) we lost power, (2) building under construction is too close to existing structors, and (3) where do we dump the scrap wood?All which are now under my pervue. So, I've become a sort of Foreman with several jobs ongoing. Oh, before it slips my mind, all contractors work while we are asleep. Whereas fatigue certainly has it's advantages for me, others sleeping in the tent do complain. Regardless, they should be completed with the new building in about 10 days. We are also so very lucky to have visitors - Mice. They are picky tho. Apparently, they enjoy only candy bars and peanut butter. However, we humans are a little more evolved and hopefuylly, we'll come out on top. On a seperate topic, we made it out and around in town today. Another interesting visit to be sure. Wish I had lots of details to share.....Well, that's the quick and dirty for today. Doug

Dust, Cold, Friends, + Work = Exhaustion

13-14 Oct07. Saturday-Sunday. Well, I've finished a marathon workcycle. Just woke several hours ago after a long, long workday(s). I was so exhausted that I didn't hear the Tree hit the Tent. Seems the Seabees are constructing a shed nextdoor. And, in clearing the trees - dropped one on the tent. No damage. However, it did wake a fellow-worker who thought the worst.......Too Funny. The Nights are getting Colder to be sure. And now with my cold-weather gear, I can laugh at the cold...Ha, Ha, Ha. My good buddy Jim is slated to leave next month for home. I'm so jealous....Still, he will be missed. His intent is to stop by and visit when able. Should be a good time to shoot the bull. Well, I got to take a shower. Dust is everywhere.....Take Care for now. Doug

NOTHER DAY - NOTHER DOLLAR

12OCT07. Friday. Well, it's official. I'm sleepy. Just worked a full day and now that I'm getting busy, will probaby be up for another 8-10 hrs. On the positive side, I'll be able to sleep easily. Another consideration that I'm happily working is my R&R. I have some folks who I went to Fort Bragg with who are thinking about going to Qatar in early December. That would be a welcomed break in the routine. Moreover, my friends are both girls. So, I know that I'm gonna be a popular guy on R&R - not only for my expertise in what to see and do in Qatar. But also by all the guys running around. After all, the ration is somehting like 1:30 (one girl to 30 guys). Decisions, decisions, decisions. Well, that's a short snippet. Hopefully I'll get some decent pics and post them on the web. Take Care. Doug

SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS

9-10OCT07. Tuesday-Wednesday. What a proud father I am. Found out that Kristen was selected as Player of the Week, Ryan completed his Citizenship Merit Badge (finally) and Shannon is practicing hard for the indoor band. Go, Kids, GO. Unfortunately, they are testing Terri's ability......On a seperate note, finally got two packages from home. Both full of snacks and toiletries. Thanks!!! Also got a note from my aunt and uncle (finally). Seems as if the military sent the darn thing back to the states. Still, I was very happy to get it. Just to add oil to an uncertain fire, I just found out my company sold it's Federal Division to another company called TWD (TWD.com). So, I'm certainly curious to see what happens. And yes, I do have several emails in to my boss to check. Regardless, it does provide for a little bit of uneasiness at best. Well, I still have a few more months before I have to worry about that!! Well, that's the latest from this end. Take Care. Will update when able. Doug

RATS - PACKERS LOST 27-20

8OCT07. Monday. Live, Love, Life. What a busy day. Have so many people coming and going. It's enough to drive one crazy. My buddy finally got some mail - after 2 months. Too Funny...I know mine won't take as long. Also had my guys take care of some major Field Day activies. The place was starting to become an Eye Sore. I have never seen the place look cleaner. I know it won't last long. However, it's good to be able to see the floor. Freaking Dust gets everywhere... Literally. For a positive Outlook, I found out my Advancement Package was sent by my Command in a timely manner. And, was recieved by the decision-makers at the Bureau of Naval Personnel. Next phase is for the Gate Keeper to reveiw it for completeness. More importantly, I have until December to send in whatever is missing. Well, not much more to write home about. Take Care for Now. Doug

Go Pack

7OCT07. Sunday. Don't even know if the Packers have played yet. If so, hopefully they have won. When I saw them last week, they were 4-0. Finally, a positive spin on things. In case you're wondering there is no TV where we are now at....Although I don't really miss it, I do miss the games once in a while. Like Now... In case you are wondering, the weather is really becoming nippy at night. And, me with my one shirt to see me through. On the upside, my buddy will return with my gear shortly. So, it's official. After a month of living out of a backpack, I can finally get my gear. Ah, the freedom to skip a day of wash because you have another pair of socks to wear - Priceless. Well, I could go on and on about the Ants in the Potty, or the cuts which seem to take forever to heal. But, I won't. Instead I will wish you a happy Sunday. And Go Pack. Doug

A BENCHMARK TO BEAT

6OCT07. Saturday. Today has been absolutely the best day here yet. Got with my co-workers and went to the Bazaar. Was the 2nd time in we have been able to make it there. Everyone got their own 2nd-hand DVDs to watch. Myself, I just enjoyed walking around and taking in the sights. After the Bazaar, I managed to get my guys on the Range. Had a Blast.....Literally. Only Kidding. Still, this simple act shows that we are not as busy as usual. More importantly, it allowed the guys to share weapons and tactics. After the sun went down, we played Spades into the night. Whereas I know this little bit of recreation will not last long. It is certainly a unexpected and welcomed change. Will Update when I Can. Doug

Hobo Central

5OCT07. Friday. Hobos Again. Transient kinda guy that I am. Finally departed the stinky place. The new place never smelled so gooooood!!! Tomorrow, I've slated some Range Time for the Guys. I want everyone to get comfortable with shooting the AK-47. Bad Guy weapon of choice. Will also try to get more pics of the guys in "action". Posing in their best John Wayne... In addition, will also try to get the guys some time at the Bazaar. This will be a treat for most. The majority of guys didn't have a chance to see the Haji Movie Selection because we've been so very busy....With any luck, we will have a couple of down days to get things "ship shape". I know the army guys working with us must hate the lingo.....Oh well, put a navy guy in charge = you get navy lingo. Well, that's the latest from the field. Will update when I can. Doug

WHERE"S WALDO? (DOUG)

3-4OCT07. Wednesday-Thursday. Well, I guess we couldn't have departed our last base soon enough. During our departure, we counted at least six different rocket attacks thoroughout the day. Several landing in some pretty interesting spots. Still, we're outta there.. My guess is the poor Taliban are pretty upset at somebody. I can only wonder why....Still, finally made it to a "New and Improved" base for now. As I write this, it's about noon on Thursday. We woke because the generator died. Causing the Fans to Quit. So, the tempreature inside the tent quickly spiked. Waking everyone up in a real pissy mood (except me of course). I can't wait to unload my gear and take a long shower to get rid of all the dust and grime. To add just a little more confusion to the gambit, no one is really sure if we will stay here for a while or not. So, in typical military fashion. I'll continue to do the best I can with the resources provided. With That, I'm off to the showers....Take Care for now. Doug

THE SKY IS FALLING, THE SKY IS FALLING

2SEP07. Tuesday. Managed to get quite few thing done yesterday. Despite the Vehicle Bomb going off. Really threw a dampner in the day.....Also, while running around today, I was interuppted again by something???? Rocket Attack, Mortars - always somthing...Just another part of the daily routing. Still, does play havoc with your schedule. Will again be busy over the next several weeks. Damn Terrorists!!!! Will write when able. Doug

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO???

30SEP-1OCT07. Sunday - Monday. Well, I've been so busy, I missed the game, and have not had a chance to write anybody. Moreover, slated to be even more busy over the next several weeks or so. My buddy Jim is currently on R&R in Doha. Said he smoked a Hooka is my honor.. Further, relayed that he was having a decent time at the beach. Hope So. Guess Green Bay is now 4-0. Missed the last game where Favre passed Marino in Passing. Oh well. What ya gonna do??? Terri told me that our Pay issue has been corrected. I can only wonder for how long. Hopefully, this is the last screw-up in a while. We simply cannot afford it...Ha, Ha. Well, I'm pretty ragged after the last couple of nights. Will try and crash early tonight. Take Care for Now. Doug