OK I give . . .

It just took me about an hour to get to this page. I have to break down and move from dial up. Don't laugh - I just hate change, but this is getting ridiculous. A two minute you tube video takes an hour to download - I can't take it anymore! By the time I got to this page, I forgot what I was gonna post about - curses - oh, I was going to upload a killer picture but that would take 'til Wednesday so instead I'll just complain about something . . . . I'm so tired now that I'm even too tired to complain - that's bad.

Well, I could complain because it's Monday, but actually it was a kinda nice one. Some of the big wigs were outta town so it was quiet. Plus, I made it to day one of my turning over a new leaf and trying to get up earlier to take more time for myself in the morning. It was great except I forgot my hat - thankfully Mark brought it in with him. The dog was even surprised that I wasn't rushing him through his "business". We'll see what tomorrow brings.

It was a good weekend - plus we had Thursday and Friday off so it was a nice long one. Spent Saturday with the folks and had a nice shopping excursion and an excellent lunch. We all tried red snapper for the first time - Loved It!

Wonder how long it will take this post to actually post???

Killer Camping Trip

I survived the field exercise but basically slept this past weekend away. Twelve days straight in Air Force mode was a bit much, but at least it didn't really rain much. I can handle being hot or cold but I hate working in wet uniforms, sleeping in a wet cot, wearing wet boots etc.

Friday night was fun though. The cops came to the old watering hole. It was kind of ironic, because I had just told friends of mine earlier that evening that even if it looks a bit scary on the outside, the Wharf Lounge is a great place with cold and cheap beer and lots of fun characters - it really is. Well, while my friends were on their way back from Put In Bay to meet us for a drink, I had to text them that if they saw cops to keep on going - too funny. There was just a bit of a squabble but no blood was shed - Thank God - we're lovers, not fighters :-) Had to have a shot of tequila to round the night out - it was a trip!

I'm hoping to take a few days off this weekend if the weather warms up and dries up. The wave runners haven't even been in the water yet - if I don't take a few days off, I'm afraid they won't make it to the water.

All is well for the most part, but my Mom's not been feeling well lately. They're trying to get her blood pressure medicine figured out but it's been making her nauseous and weak - that really worries me, because my Mom never stays sick for long - she always bounces right back. I guess you never realize how much to be thankful for for both your health and the health of those you love until sickness comes into your life. I'm going to go visit in a day or two when her strength is up a bit. I'll take my little four legged friend - he always has a way of cheering the whole family up.

Hey, can you believe it's almost September? Bring on the Bears!!!!!

Gheesh

It's been for-like-ever since I've posted. I didn't even realize just how long until I came up here to pack for our 3 days of war games and walked by the computer. Actually I was looking for an excuse to put off packing - I HATE PACKING - especially when I've got to pack military stuff, civilian toiletries and stuff, flashlights, gerbers, yadayadayada for three days of fun and sun. Actually it looks like it is supposed to be a pretty good weekend. One time we did one of these three day deals in May and we all came out of our tents in the morning and there was snow on the ground - yep - that was a hoot!

Lots of stuff has been going on lately - too much to mention - but all in all things have been chugging right along. The summer has flown by and I haven't done much in the way of vacation type things. We finally have the waverunners here at the condo but still haven't had a chance to put them in the water. Maybe after the end of next week we'll be able to take off a few days and actually get away from work. I feel like I've been eating and sleeping it here lately.

S'pose I should go pack now and get a good night's sleep if possible since the next two will be spent in a big moldy stinky tent with 11 other girls on old cots that are falling apart with extreme cold weather sleeping bags - I swear I don't remember this in the Air Force brochures, but it's a fun bonding time none-the-less. Green eggs for breakfast anyone?

On a Lighter Note

Went to Kelley's Island with Mom and Staci on Monday - too cool - too much fun! How can you be bummed when you see pix like this? Plus we went over on the same ferry that a bunch of (I'm guessing on age here) Jr. High kids went on. They were headed over for a week of Camp - that brought back fond, fond memories of camps I went to at that age. Lutheran Memorial Camp, Stony Lake, and who can forget four awesome years of band camp at Lakeside - I Love Camp!

Life goes on

It's been another emotional few weeks. My Dad called last weekend and left a message on my phone. I knew right away something wasn't right. When I called back he told me my Aunt had passed away. It was so sudden that I couldn't grasp the whole thing. She hadn't ever been seriously sick that I could ever remember. She was always the rock that held everyone together. They live in North Dakota and we weren't able to make it to the memorial service, but I'm going to try to go with my folks to visit my Uncle and the rest of the family before the summer is over. I haven't seen them in far too long, but I have wonderful memories. My Aunt would write me often when I was in Iraq, telling stories of what was going on with the kids and grandkids, telling funny stories of the Kruse and Ingram Luck - or lack thereof. She is a woman full of more faith than just about anyone I know - that's a comfort. She would want us to celebrate life and look forward to the time when we'll all be together again. I'm trying very hard to do just that. My niece Staci is in town and I took Monday off of work, so I'm looking forward to spending some time with family this weekend. I love you Aunt Carol - you will be missed more than you could ever know!

Still A Lot to Be Thankful For . . .

. . . Freedom and Family. We had two family reunions over this past week or so. Unfortunately my camera batteries didn't last long enough, but I got a couple of good shots and many good stories :-)

Why

I really haven't felt much like posting lately. The whole blogging thing seems so insignificant when life throws a curve ball. We lost a great friend the other day and it still hasn't sunk in for me. Is it even proper or appropriate to write about such a loss? I don't know, but I do know that I can't think about anything else for a while. It seems so tragic - he was too young. He was one of the good guys. But what I love about him absolutely so much is his sense of humor and love of fun. He wouldn't want us all moping around - he'd want us to have a few drinks and remember the good times. And there were A LOT of good times! I will never forget when we went to the Browns game and he shoved an entire six pack of beer down my coat sleeves - I couldn't put my arms down - just like Randy on A Christmas Story . . . what a blast!

Trying to be ever the optimist is not always easy, especially in a situation like this. But I'm thankful that we had the time we did with him. I'm thankful he is in heaven and at peace. I will never forget you Denny - thank you for your Friendship - I will see you again!