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