Sail Away, Come Sail Away with Me!

Wow! Another item checked off the bucket list! I have a healthy respect (FEAR!) of water. I almost drowned twice when I was young, that will help develop issues with being in water over your head.

I was in Michigan, at Gull Lake, and had the opportunity to go out on a boat. No big deal. Life vest and cruising around the lake, drinking wine or beer and just enjoying the sun, wind, and friends.

Well, let me tell you! It's wasn't a pontoon boat... It was a freakin sail boat. Not the big ones that are stable and safe either!!!! It was a catamaran, you know two pontoon with canvas in-between. I promised myself a long time ago that I would never, I mean NEVER, get on one of those. Well there is nothing like breaking a promise to yourself.....

Before I continue, let me tell you that I did go snorkeling in Guam six years ago. That was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. Getting over the fear long enough to enjoy the beauty of it all. This left me with the feeling that I had done enough for the water thingie fear.

Back to the original story..... I agree to go sailing with Jim (a friend of the family that I just met.) He assures me that it's safe (catch the problem coming up?) and that I will have a wonderful time. And I did have a wonderful time, while we were upright!! We flipped that dang boat three times. It's not easy to get those blanking boats upright. But we did, three times. The second time the mast was pointing straight down (obviously looking for my Ray Bans that took a swim of their own on the first flip!) We had to have another boat pull our boat to the 90 degree tilt...... I was thinking "if they can pull us that far, why don't they finish the job?" BUT NOOO........... 90 degrees and we tug on the rope ourselves, again, to upright the boat the rest of the way. Oh, forgot to mention, on the first flip, or flop, I was holding the stainless steel cable that supports the mast. Some skin from each finger on my left hand is still on the cable. That makes holding the rope a finger dance on the next two times.

After all of that excitement we came back to the dock, put the boat on it's lift and I proceeded to cheer because:

1. Another item checked off the bucket list.
2. Motrin was close by.
3. Maker's Mark was close by for washing down the Motrin.
4. There were sane people to tell the hair raising story to.
and
5. I was on dry ground, ALIVE!!!!

Would I do it again, probably not...... Am I glad I did it, HECK YEAH!! It was a blast and the fear of water is slowly losing it's grip on me. I'm actually looking at property on a lake.

Noah's 36 hour pass

Well.... to continue the "blog speak": it's been a while since I've written anything.... That's a funny comment so many blogger say when they are away for a while. Like we wouldn't have figured that out on our own :~))

Anyway....

Noah got his 36 hr pass and boy was everyone ready to see him! And he to see us! We just spent time together and listened to his stories of what the Drill Instructors did to them. I was able to record some of the stories and they are funnier the more I listen to them. We "skype'ed" Riley so that Noah and he could talk. I was a wonderful but sad time. Riley sounded like it didn't want us to hang up after an hour and half. I felt that he was lonely and wanted to hang on for a while, so we did.

Noah has always been the entertaining type and he certainly did that for the guys in his company. He made the hat, whip, and knife, from Indiana Jones movie, out of 100 mph tape and did the scene of Indie jumping across the gorge/trap and reaching back to get his hat!

On Sunday we visited the National Infantry Museum and fired M-16/M-4's. That was a blast, so to speak :~)

Noah had to be back by 1930hrs so we had dinner and drove back to base. That was a hard goodbye. I already lost it in the museum, sad to know that he has grown up, he is being away from family, proud of him, all those emotions built up and it came out! Saying bye for another four weeks was especially hard. I am so proud of both sons!

New River Gorge, WV & Dad's 80th Birthday

My father's birthday was June 22 and the church they attend wanted to have a surprise birthday party. They chose Saturday the 27th so we flew up to Charleston and drove to Edmond ('bout an hour.) It was a beautiful drive, even the part where we trusted Jill (theGarmin GPS demon!) to find a restaurant ..... Jill wanted us to drive 25 miles or more, around and around to find a restaurant that was closed, and really only a couple of miles away, go figure!

We arrived and enjoyed seeing Mom and Dad. The visit was good and needed on my part. Dad had an operation on his back last year and although he is doing better, he looks like he is in pain when he walks.

On Saturday we went to the party. Everyone had a nice time, ate finger food and laughed. It was good! On Sunday we visited the church and then went to The Feed Box for lunch. I decided to take a few pix of the animals while there. Dad drove us to the Summerville Dam/Lake. Very nice to see that scenery again. We all explored some of the new developments and campground/recreation areas being built near their home. When we got back to Mom and Dad's house they chose to relax. We chose to watch the sun set over the mountain. We sat on the top of the mountain looking out over the New River Gorge. Absolutely perfect!!!

Monday we drove to Cathedral Falls and took more pix, watched rocks fall, and just relaxed. What a beautiful place to be.

Noah had sent a letter made into a birthday card for Dad (Papa) that he had drawn the cake on. That made Dad's day!That night we enjoyed steaks with Gary and Linda. Gary is my uncle that lives up the hill...

I will post more soon....

Noah called yesterday

I didn't recognize the phone number and almost did not answer it. I'm so glad I did! It was great to hear from him. He is doing well. His company commander walked by while Noah was shooting the M4 and commented "Awesome Grouping!" Noah group was within .8cm, now that is pretty good!

He talked to Jenni yesterday also, and she told him of the whole group coming down to see him for his 36 hour pass. Now I don't have to worry about leaking that bit of info. :~)

I am looking forward to seeing him. He wants letters and pictures!

Love to both Noah and Riley!!!!

Riley called yesterday

He called using Skype and the connection was so delayed that the conversation was actually funny. We had a great time talking. It was 2200hrs when he called so we only talked about 30 min. He is doing well and enjoying doing his job. I am so proud of both of my sons! I just hope to see them soon.

Been a while hasn't it :~)

Well, I've been busy with so much that I haven't done anything here, so......

So far I've received four letters from Noah, two calls from Riley (missed one, dangit!) Riley has updated his blog http://downrangechop.blogspot.com/ with pictures and accounts of the military's attempt to kill him before he even reached Afghanistan :~)

Riley and Noah's shooting of the M4 rifle was very good, like the top three or so of their group. I guess the time we spent on Sunday afternoons riding in the Jeep to the sandpits to shoot paid off in their line of work!!

Both of them seem to be doing well now, after getting settled in. Riley sent me a Harley coffee cup from Kuwait. I had my first of coffee in it this morning.

I missed Riley's call this week while I was TDY at Ft Stewart. I was working on the video headend/distribution system for the new school. The system was really messed up. And we had paid a contractor to come out twice to "fix" it.... I completely torn it down and rebuilt it correctly. Now our children that live on the base and attend that school can actually see what is on the TV! :~)

Noah is anxiously looking forward to his 36 (maybe 48) hour pass. All he wants is a movie, pizza, Mountain Dew, and Snickers candy bar. He doesn't know it yet (and he doesn't have access to this blog yet) that his wife, Jenni, is coming down. That will be exciting and I know he won't have much time for everyone but that's okay. Just hope he continues to do well and stay safe.

Love You guys.... for we you get to read this!!!!

Noah called today

Basic is starting tomorrow for him... Long in-processing was the problem. He seems to be doing fine when I talked to him. I know the last two weeks have been tough.

Riley is going out tomorrow to the sand dunes to play for a while. I've really enjoyed following his blog.

LOVE YOU BOYS!

Proud of you, be careful!!!!!

Riley is safely in Kuwait

Just got an email from Riley... He's sitting in a StarBucks emailing :~)

It's hot there but not humid like Camp McGrady, so maybe the training there was a good prep for Kuwait and then Afghanistan.

Thinking of the Boys, actually young Men!

Riley called at 3:00am my time to let me know he was on the plane for a LONG flight to Afghanistan (14 May 2009). By now he should be in Kuwait. Another update on his blog: http://downrangechop.blogspot.com

Noah sent me a letter sharing his thoughts on being in the army now.... He has not started basic yet. Very frustrating for him. In 10 weeks he will have a 3 day pass. I'm excited about that and have started counting down the days.

Riley called today

Well..... Riley will soon be on his way to Afghanistan. He called and we talked for a little bit. It was good to hear his voice. He may be able to call one more time tonight. I hope so!

Noah was not feeling well and basic didn't start this week. Still in-processing. Jenni emailed me to let me know he was doing better.

All y'all take care, Love Ya!

Photos for our enjoyment! :~)

There is no order to the pix below. I was trying to add them in order and had problems figuring out how it site chose "it's" own order :~)) Anyway.......



Noah and Jenni.
Dec 31, 2007

Riley hiking with me at Pine Mountain Trail.
March 2009

Riley and Lisa at the Aquarium.
Sept 5, 2008

Riley and me on the Tiger Cruise.
Dec 2007

Riley and Noah about to have the steaks.
Dec 30, 2007

Riley and me having fun with the fish above us.
Sept 5, 2008

Me grilling some goood steaks,
Dec 30, 2007.....
Yes, in the rain with a glass of wine :~)

Riley posted a movie of him firing a SAW

Riley is leaving this week for Afghanistan.... He has be training for the last two weeks and he is enjoying the weapons but not the grueling/boring parts :~) I told him of this blog so that we can keep each other in touch with what's going on. I am getting some pix ready to publish so that everyone can enjoy.

Riley, call me anytime you can!! Love Ya!! Mean It!!

Noah is on his way to Ft Benning

I got to talk to Noah today (Wednesday 6th May) as he was traveling to Ft Benning. I thought I would not hear from him for several weeks. I got a text msg and it was great. Then we called back and forth. I really enjoyed the contact.

I've been a little sad that both of my sons are going away somewhere. Noah is closer to me, but I can't call him as I would if he were at home. Riley is leaving for Afghanistan on Thursday the 14th of May.

I called Riley today and got to talk to him for a little bit. His mom came to visit so I didn't want to take too much of their time.

I really miss both of them. They are such a large part of my life and I don't know if I have let them know that to the extent that they are. You know the "tough man image" we try to keep up for appearances! :~) I think of them all the time, it's hard to concentrate on anything else. I just pray for their safety and happiness.

Boys, if you read this please know how much I LOVE YOU and honestly try to be there without being a pain in the butt with advice that I think you need to hear :~)

Be true to what you believe in. You two were brought up to believe in what I thought was right. I hope you chose what works for you, you both have made a choice to serve your country. That is a very noble action and direction in your life. I AM SO PROUD OF BOTH OF YOU!!!! Just stay safe and remember that you have family that wants to see you again, safely! :~)

Love you guys, maybe our times shooting and playing will come in handy!!

Noah is on his way to the recruiter's office

Well...... Noah just called and let me know that he was on the way to the recruiter's office, then to Raleigh to spend the night before they head out to Ft Benning. I was sad when we hung up the phone, but Noah's mom is driving him to Sanford so he has support. I am so glad that I spent some time with him and Jenni.

A month ago I was thinking this time would not arrive so soon... Now, it's the day:~( I've been worrying too much about both of the boys. I know every parent worries when they see their children go into the military during trying times like these. Anyway....

Got to see both of my sons before they leave

Noah's going away party was Saturday night. Everyone there had a great time, although somewhat sad knowing that he was leaving for 3 or 4 months for basic and all. I left NC on Sunday, the 3rd, to come back home. I stopped by Camp McGrady to see Riley before he left for Afghanistan. This is tougher than I thought it would be, to see both sons going off for their country. I AM proud no doubt, but concerned. Things will be fine I just like to worry :~)

You can follow Riley's blog at http://downrangechop.blogspot.com/

See ya soon!

North Carolina visit

I'm in North Carolina to visit Noah (youngest son), before he leaves for Basic. He is going to the gym everyday preparing for basic training at Ft Benning.

Riley (oldest son) has a blog now and I read about his adventures at Camp McGrady, part of Ft Jackson. Talked to Riley last night and he described his success in shooting the M16. Riley's blog is downrangechop.blogspot.com

1st Post

I've finally decided to try this. I've been reading many blogs and felt most were worthless other than to record a personal journal. And this may just be my personal journal also. I doubt I will write anything worth sharing with the world but you never know :~)