Summer is almost over:(

Today Taylor and I went to the beach--the last day of August. It was a rough one out there today. Although the water was a good temperature the waves were a bit rough and the undertow too strong. It was still nice to hear and feel the waves as we sat on the beach. These are the times that I try to remember when it is snowing and cold here in Michigan. I know that summer will be here again--it just takes a little it of time.

New Bedroom

At the end of July, I grabbed the most coveted spot in a three-man room here...the back bunk. I now have a little privacy, am away from all the noise in the hallway at the front of our room and have this very crappy nightstand made of rickety plywood. Hard to believe what you look forward to and accept as prized possessions in a war zone!

My Favorite Gifts

My favorite things to get in the mail are my magazine subscriptions. Thanks Kelly and Barb!

The General

It's an honor and a pleasure to see this man every day and work about 50 yards from him. He was nice enough to write me a note and autograph a book for me that featured him and three other Army four-star Generals.

Stop Feeding the Cats!!

"So daddy, why did they throw you out of Afghanistan even though you really wanted to help with the war and were really good at your job?"

"Well son, one day I mistakenly fed a starving cat."

Marine Roommate

Here is my Marine Major roommate, Tom Chalkley, who left our room around the end of June. Tom is on active duty, married with no kids, and expects to be back in Afghanistan for a seven-month tour Summer 2011! Great roommate = no snoring.

British Roommate

Here is my British roommate, Mark, all dressed up and no place to go. Mark is assigned to the British Royal Air Force and is wearing this tux (which he had made here on base by a local Afghan tailor for $140) enroute to a post American Embassy party. Great roommate = no snoring!