Retrospective

It occurs to me as I rapidly approach what WAS to be my departure date, that some things have changed since my arrival. Nothing significant, but as I read through some of my blog posts I decided a little updating was in order.

Chez Flamingo has fallen into disrepair due to lack of use. What seemed like a perfect semi-outdoor retreat in the spring, became a kiln in the summer’s sun. Aside from some evidence of critters on the 6 inches of sand that cover the floor, no one has even stepped inside for months.

The mortar attacks that used to be relatively frequent have completely subsided. The last one we experienced was the one that killed several prisoners in the internment facility, and that was months ago.

We automated our internet watering for a time. The guys rigged up a pump that would feed water through a tube and directly on the overheating transceiver. I believe these guys are related to the man who created the remote control. Why get up, when you can just press a button. Sadly, the pump is now broken, so we’re back to the manual mode.

Our camp mascots were replaced. A pregnant cat decided to call place home for a time, and made a meal of the previous mascots. We believe in survival of the fittest here, so we didn’t interfere with the natural process. Not surprisingly, once she had eaten all the mice, she too moved on.

We have gone through an estimated 40 pounds of peanut M & Ms in this compound, and although I still like them, I don’t ever think I’ll “crave” them again.

Beau and Jo have recovered from their wedding festivities, and are currently enjoying a month split between Greece and Italy. I threatened to join them, knowing full well that a honeymoon is incomplete without friends, but I was unable to get away.

I’m sorry to say that I’ve received no support from the Government for my plan to introduce large quantities of beer into the general population. While I still maintain that nothing would have a more positive effect on the rapid end to the violence, apparently some people don’t think the plan with gain widespread favor.

The rusted out old Hummer that I drove when I first got here has been replaced by a brand new six passenger pick up truck. Not only do we have air conditioning that actually works now, but we have a radio. It’s not quite as beefy as a Hummer, but it’s better for doing donuts on the roads.

As you can see, I haven’t spent as much time posting as I did several months ago. It has become increasingly difficult to convey the nature of life here without telling you about what it is we do on a daily basis. Since I can’t do that, I’m left with little excitement to describe. Make no mistake, we have plenty of excitement…just none that I can talk about.

The one thing that remains the same is the effort that my guys put into the job everyday. They make my job easy, and in return I do my best to make life here for them as pleasant as possible. The sacrifices they make to get the job done, although occasionally accompanied with a groan, always seems to exceed the expectations of everyone we support. I’m not sure how I got lucky enough to get this position, but their effort and the accomplishment that goes along with it is what makes my job most satisfying.

As things start to wind down for me over the next month, I’ll be able to start focusing on the plans I’ve got in mind once I get home. Since I’ll still belong to the military for several months after my return, I won’t be able to just get up and go when I want to. I’m trying to divvy up my leave between some time at a home I haven’t seen in seven months, the Sears Tower climb, two ski trips, Thanksgiving, Christmas, a visit to the lake home of some great friends in Tennessee with a bonus night or two with the wild bunch in “Nash Vegas” and a trip to see several old friends. I also have to decide between whether to accept a position offered in DC or to return to San Diego as planned. It is a great dilemma to have, but perplexing none the less.

As always, the support you all provide helps to keep me sane, and I can’t thank you enough. I’ll try to get better on the updates, and I’ll let you all know when and where the party will be sometime in the weeks to come.