I had to cancel my trip this week because of some logistics challenges. I was bummed because I’m really looking forward to getting off this base for awhile. We’ve got the routine down well enough now that it is starting to be….well, routine. The trip is back on for next week barring anymore unexpected surprises.
I’ve made a move recently. Instead of staying up where everyone else stays, I’ve taken up residence in our compound. It puts me about a half a mile from the rest of the people, so it’s a lot quieter. I’m living in one of the Connex boxes (semi-trailer without the wheels). I’ve got air conditioning, computer access, and most of the conveniences I need. I’m in the process of building an outdoor shower, and once that is complete this place will be home.
Speaking of home, I’ve received an over abundance of packages recently from the States. Within two days I received an entire over-sized foot locker full of food (Thanks Mom, Dad, Rita, Sandy, Pat and his coworkers). Here’s the picture to prove it.
I’ve also been told to be on the lookout for at least 4 more packages that are inbound. I almost hate to say this, but if you’re planning to send something, you might want to wait a month or so. We love getting it, but at the rate it’s coming in we might have to open a store over here! We can always use some more music and movies though.
Below are pictures of our outdoor lounge that the guys made out of a huge shipping crate. It has been dubbed “Chez Flamingo”. A couple of you know where that reference comes from. Good times!
The last picture is me with a couple of the Brits taking a break from a mission to get a picture with “Flat Stanley”. Connor, I’ll get the little man back to you soon buddy.
Keep the e-mails, pictures, and letters coming. Looking forward to seeing you when I get back!
18 comments:
Hi T.
Thinking of you on Memorial Day Weekend. San Diego just doesn't seem the same without you in it. Miss you heaps and looking forward to buying you a good Australian beer when you get back.
Lesa.
Thanks Lesa!
Hope you have a fun and relaxing holiday. I've got a question for you. Why do you Aussies export the crappy beer (Fosters) and keep all the good stuff (VB) for yourselves? I guess the question sort of answers itself, doesn't it. Miss you mate.
T.
I'm looking at that footlocker of goodies and I don't see a jar of Vegimite anywhere! I have just booked my ticket to visit Lesa in San Diego for a week or so and I know your doing a great job, but am sooooo disappointed that I am not going to see you while I'm there.
We have beaches with water attached in Australia!
Speaking of Aussie Beer, maybe when you get back you should try a Crown Lager! MMmmmmm!
Love Babs
Tom,
You look great. Just saw Jeff Roth and Steve Brick and we shared some old Lancer memories. I'll be following the blog.
J. Stuart
Babs,
Thanks to you I know how to eat vegimite properly. Don't know if you recall, but Lesa started me out with a finger full to the mouth. She's got a mean streak I tell ya.
Great news that you're finally making it to the States! You are going to love San Diego. I am totally bummed that I'll miss you, but I will be back down under in the next few years and you and Wally and I can share some Crown Lagers!
Jeff Stuart! I can't tell you how much I miss your world perspective brother. It has been over 5 years. I can honestly say I never thought I'd go that long without talking to you. Shoot me an e-mail and catch me up on everything. Glad to see you and Brick and Rothy are keeping the Lancer legends alive. Great to hear from you!
Wow, I don't check for a couple of days and there is so much to catch up on. So I was heavy handed with the Vegimite....once....a long time ago......give a girl a break! In answer to your weighty question 'Why do you export all the crappy beer to the USA' the answer is simple 'You Can't Handle the real Beer'......... I can't believe that Wally is letting Babs offer his Crown Lager to just anyone....... Miss you heaps.
Love Lesa.
Don't worry Lesa, you've made up for the vegimite. The taste is still in my mind though.
I can't believe you put me in the category of "just anyone" when it comes to Wally's Crown Lager. I think there should be a rule that if you spend 15 hours on an airplane flying down under, you automatically qualify for a Crown Lager. They should hand it to as you get off the airplane.
Miss you too, T.
Hi T.
Well I guess for you we can make an exception. You have spent time in an Aussie pub and survived, which makes you part Aussie and yes you are not just anyone..... What do you think Barb?
I have a little gift on the way for you to use at Chez Flamingo....enjoy!
Be safe,
Lesa.
Lesa,
Thanks my dear. I'm honored to be "part Aussie". Can't wait to see what the gift is. I hope it's not another twedgy tie.
Be good, T.
Hi T,
I had not thought of another tie.....good idea! There were no twedgies involved, but there may be now........
Lesa
PS. Did I mention I am drinking an ice cold beer..........
Lesa,
An ice cold beer? Now that's just cruel! I guess you waited until after noon though.
Be nice! T.
Hi T.
It was afternoon somewhere....!
Barb arrives in about a week, I can't wait and I know that she is sad she will miss having you to show her San Diego. I will just have to give it my best try. Actually there is a great new Aussie bar, that sells everything except Fosters in the Gaslamp. It is called the Bondi, and NO there are no topless women, (for others reading this, Bondi Beach is a famous Aussie topless beach) just great food and even better beer!
Promise to buy you a few when you get home.
Take care
Lesa.
Lesa,
Great to hear that Bab's is going to be there soon. You two will have a blast around the city. I can't wait to hear the reports about Bondi Bar. I really think they missed the mark by not making it more like the beach. It's not really Bondi if you're wearing a top!!! Maybe you two Aussies just need to set the example. Can't wait to get back for the promised beers.
Miss you, T.
Mmmmmm, not sure that that would be a good idea at this stage in my life..........they want to keep customers not frighten them away!
I hate to remind you but we are not as young as we used to be in Korea! Ahhh, those were the days hey Twedgie?
I don't know about you, but I'm just as young (immature) as I've ever been. I do miss those times in Korea. Remember stealing the wine at the French Embassy Ball? I don't think they were properly prepared for us!
T.
Stealing wine, my memory is a little fuzzy on that one.....oh you mean those 25 bottles on our table were not meant for us? As I remember we continued on that night to Hooker Hill.....that will get tongues wagging!
Yes, I agree the French of all people should have been prepared when they had a table of Aussies and Yanks attending. There is a memory of the revolving doors at the Shilla Hotel as we left, from memory I I found them funny for some reason....... must have been the cheap French wine?
Be safe
Lesa.
PS: What are you doing up at 2:16am?
Lesa,
To be fair regarding the wine...we did have eight people at the table. That's only 3 bottles a piece...er, on average anyway.
I miss the events at the Shilla. I doubt if the tux would fit these days. I glad we didn't work to hard to fit the image. I've got a great image of you going around and around in that damn door.
T.
PS - I remember a day when you wouldn't question my staying up until 2:19am...or 3...or 4...
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