Love you all and I wish you, and I quote, 'a merry new year'.
I am going to the 'SkyBar' tonight...
Just me...
Being creative...
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Houston...the eagle has landed...
On a warm planet this time. We are home and safe. Some final stats...I drove 2299 miles for the trip (doesn't count driving in C-Bus). I averaged 64 mph and total drive time there and back (moving) was 36 hours. Hoh-Ray...
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Texas...
Just crossed the border...I have been on the road for 15 hours now...still feeling pretty good. That power nap a few hours ago really helped. Taco is freakin trooper...
So...
Taco and I decided to get back on the road at about 745 central. We are now past little rock & a VERY scarry gas station. We are making good time & feel good. No more storms...
Goodbye Kentucky...
A fond farewell...and thank god I don't have to spend much time in Tennessee...because I will have to spend WAY to much time in Arkansas...
Update...
I am west bound on the Wendell H Ford Western Kentucky Parkway about an hour or so from the state line.
Short cut...
There is a new highway, Kentucky express way, that goes from south Louisville to Memphis. Meaning I get to bypass Nashville.. AWESOME...
Gods country...
I have crossed the blue grass line into the Great State of Kentucky. I also am being vigilant in watching for the unmarked Gastopo...
And so it begins...
The 1008 mile trek back to Republic of Texas. I had a great visit and really enjoyed seeing everyone. I wasn't able to work out a visit with Ryan/Vicki or Herb, but there is always next time. I love you all and everyone always have a standing invite to Texas. And sis, I was glad we were finally able to celebrate the 'event'...
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas...
Or Happy Holidays, what ever you prefer.
Christmas day went well. Mom and Dad decided to show pictures of all of us growing up on the big tv. I thought that was a good idea until I started seeing me with ridiculously large glasses. Could have done without that...
The gift exchange went very well and was a lot of fun. I took a little over 500 pictures with the new camera (it has a speed shutter mode), but I decided to only load the very best ones.
Enjoy...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157611599819993/
Taco didn't come out un-scathed...Abbie and Mom just couldn't wait to get him into this...
As most of you know my brother likes to take pictures of himself with other peoples cameras. This time was especially great for him since my camera has a speed shutter feature. Enjoy...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157611600013229/
Was a very good day....
Christmas day went well. Mom and Dad decided to show pictures of all of us growing up on the big tv. I thought that was a good idea until I started seeing me with ridiculously large glasses. Could have done without that...
The gift exchange went very well and was a lot of fun. I took a little over 500 pictures with the new camera (it has a speed shutter mode), but I decided to only load the very best ones.
Enjoy...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157611599819993/
Taco didn't come out un-scathed...Abbie and Mom just couldn't wait to get him into this...
As most of you know my brother likes to take pictures of himself with other peoples cameras. This time was especially great for him since my camera has a speed shutter feature. Enjoy...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91874780@N00/sets/72157611600013229/
Was a very good day....
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Apology...
Some how two messages from my gmail inbox got posted to the blog. One was from Jamey with Zack's pictures. That email also contained everyones email addresses on the her distribution list. I deleted it off the blog to protect them. I will post Zach's pictures later, just not like that. Again, sorry.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Houston, the Eagle has landed...
...and apparently this is a frozen planet. I don't care who you are, that's funny.
Leaving Indiana...
Finally leaving Indiana, thank God.......just kidding...luv ya G. Maybe next time I make this run, our schedules will permit me, you and Andy to meet for lunch.
Ohio...home of THE Buckeyes. Whom, unfortunately, are going to get killed by Texas. And more unfortunately, I am a vocal Buckeye fan living in Texas...you have no idea how much crap i'm going to take...
Garmin tells me I will be pulling into Mom & Dad's at 4:08, and she is never wrong...
Ohio...home of THE Buckeyes. Whom, unfortunately, are going to get killed by Texas. And more unfortunately, I am a vocal Buckeye fan living in Texas...you have no idea how much crap i'm going to take...
Garmin tells me I will be pulling into Mom & Dad's at 4:08, and she is never wrong...
Indianapolis...
I am passing through Indianapolis right now. Home to the, an I quote (from my former boss who mentioned the Colts, Steelers and mediocre in a recent email. He, of course, must have been referring to the Colts as being mediocre. I mean he couldn't be referring to Gods team - The Steelers), mediocre Colts...
And before anyone tells me I am being to hard on Gaytanna (she's a Colts fan), we are 'fighting' because she called me Marcus...
Oh, and don't fire back with you all beating us..we let win........
And before anyone tells me I am being to hard on Gaytanna (she's a Colts fan), we are 'fighting' because she called me Marcus...
Oh, and don't fire back with you all beating us..we let win........
Indiana...
Just entered the great state of Indiana...uhhhh who am I kidding, it's Indiana. And that comment was specifically for Gaytanna...
St. Louis...
Taco and I decided to visit the Arch since we were passing right by it. But we are back on the road now...
Goodbye Fort Leonard Wood...
I enjoyed this visit MUCH better than the one 19 years ago...
On to I 44 to St Louis...
On to I 44 to St Louis...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Fort Leonard Wood...
Taco and I are comfortably relaxing at the Candlewood Suites just outside of Fort Leonard Wood. We had a great day.
We stopped last night to get a little bit of rest at a truck stop. I put fleece blankets over all windows, reclined my seat and placed my motion detector alarm system on my chest (aka Taco). It was good and we got three or four good hours of sleep. We arrived in Fort Leonard Wood at 1pm. 
I will be leaving at 5am on route to the Great State of Antartica...errr, I mean Ohio. Actually, they feel the same.
We stopped last night to get a little bit of rest at a truck stop. I put fleece blankets over all windows, reclined my seat and placed my motion detector alarm system on my chest (aka Taco). It was good and we got three or four good hours of sleep. We arrived in Fort Leonard Wood at 1pm.
I will be leaving at 5am on route to the Great State of Antartica...errr, I mean Ohio. Actually, they feel the same.
If you would like to see the other photos I took from Fort Leonard Wood, please follow this link...
See you all later...
On the road again...
I just can't wait to get on the road again...oh, never mind. Taco and I just back onto I44 for the last leg into Leonard Wood...
Outside of Tulsa
Well we are making good time. We have stopped at a Pilot Truck stop to shake a leg. Quite literally for Taco. We are now getting a quick bite to eat and will be back on our way. We are 56 miles from I44. Later...
I'm off...
OK, so I couldn't sleep. I decided waste not want not, and left...at 0 dark thirty. I looked at Leonard Wood's web site and tomorrow...or today I guess...is graduation day. Imagine the timing. By the way Pat, we are no longer 12Bravos, we are now 21Bravos. Who knew. Well, of to the home of the Army Gods...yes Mike I am talking about those who occupy the Castle of Gold...the ENGINEERS...
Talk to you all later.
Talk to you all later.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Christmas Trip...
I have decided on my route for when I drive back to Ohio for the week of Christmas. I have decided to take a slight stroll down memory lane and end my first days travel at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri (or for you Army folks, Fort Lost In The Woods, Misery – Pat will get that comment). I do hope the weather is not like the last time I was there in December – Our final field trip we had a foot of snow. Taco and I will be staying at the MainStay Suites about 2 miles from the post entrance in Saint Roberts, Missouri. I plan to leave Friday and arrive at the hotel by dusk on Friday night. On Saturday Morning, Taco and I will attempt to find my old training unit/building, visit the Engineer, Military Police and Chemical Regiment Museum and, of course, visit the Engineer Regiment Gift Shop (Pat – let me know if you want me to pick you up something). As you all know, it is very important to pay respects to one of the oldest AND most important Army Regiments. Because, and no need to explain this since it is common knowledge, the Army doesn’t move until the Engineers say it can move. Especially those Armor pucks… (Sorry Mike had to get that in). After my visit at the Army Garden of Eden, I will set out on Eisenhower Express Way (or I-70) in route to Columbus, Ohio. I do plan to stop in Indianapolis to have lunch/dinner with Gaytanna.
I will be sending updates as the trip progresses in the blog, so be alert. I am really looking forward to the trip and seeing everyone (either again or, if I missed you last time, for the first time since I left).
Take care…
I will be sending updates as the trip progresses in the blog, so be alert. I am really looking forward to the trip and seeing everyone (either again or, if I missed you last time, for the first time since I left).
Take care…
Late Posting...
These are the posts I wrote when I came to Ohio over Thanksgiving, but never got around to posting them…
November 24th…
So, Taco and I are sitting in DFW awaiting our flight to Indianapolis. I have become very efficient with air travel. Since I have Taco and am checking two bags, I decided to wait to check in here to see if there was an upgrade to First Class. There was. Let’s do the math. When I scheduled this flight, I was told that Taco would cost $150.00. I am checking two bags, so (in AA world) that is $15 for the first and $25 for the second. So, aside from the ticket price, it was going to cost me $190.00 extra dollars to flight with the rest of the commoners… So, imagine my surprise when I found out an upgrade to First Class only cost $70.00. The beautiful part is that the bag check fees are waived. So it really only cost me $30.00. Then I go to the ticket counter to pay for Taco and she tells me it is only $100/00. Apparently, it is cheaper to carry a dog if you are rich than if you are poor. LOVE THIS COUNTRY… So, it cost me $170/00 to fly First Class with Taco. A $20.00 savings. You can’t make this shit up…
Taco has a new pill for this flight. A tranquilizer… We went to the animal doctor on Saturday so he could get his year booster shots. I, at the same time, both feel sorry and entertained every time I take him to the vet. I can’t explain how he absolutely loves to cross the threshold of the door to their office. He reminds me of those cartoons where the animals pull out their claws and try to “dig” in to something to keep from going somewhere. I have to drag him in with his claws “scraping” the ground. I feel bad for him, but it is damn funny. This time he had to get blood drawn for a worm test, two booster shots and his claws clipped. I have to be honest; I am not sure which part he hates worse. He was pretty calm when the doctor took his blood, although he immediately began licking the area as soon as we let him go. After he stopped he looked at me like “what did I do to you….” Then came the physical exam, which he did very well with. Next were the two booster shots. Now, Taco now knows what shots look like and about when they are going to happen. He’s not dumb. As soon as the doctor picked up the first syringe, Taco tried to make a “break” for it. I, however, was prepared for this move and quickly countered. Caught… Back on the table he went and “manned” up for his shots. Then came the nail clipping. For those of you who know Taco knows how he overprotects his paws. He REALLY doesn’t like his nails clipped. I believe to him it is akin to how I view the prostate exam. Although I don’t “fight” it. I actually had to hold his body and head so the doctor could finish. When we were done Taco literally jumped into my arms as if to say “Uncle, Uncle” or “enough, I sorry for whatever I did.” Now when he gets shots in his neck, it causes him to want to itch the area, but he can’t actually reach the area. So when we were walking out of the building his instincts were still trying to itch this area while be were walking. So, imagine if you can, as he was walking his right hind leg was completely off the ground, but constantly moving as if he was scratching. He wasn’t because he can’t reach it and the rest of his limbs were trying to walk. So, three legs are propelling him forward, his right leg off the ground and moving at the speed of light near his shoulder and his head turning every so often to reach back to the shot location to lick it. All while moving forward. I felt so sorry for him, but I couldn’t stop laughing. Truly one of the funniest thinks I have seen him do. Well, back to where I starting this tangent, I told the doctor about him flying and they gave me a tranquilizer pill to give him. It is now 6:20 and I will give him one quarter of one pill in ten minutes. I hope it helps him to sleep through the flight. We will see.
Talk to you all later…
November 29th…
Ok, so I was not able to connect to the internet to post the above previous post. As it turns out, I am again sitting in an airport awaiting my flight. However, I am now waiting for my flight home to Texas. Unfortunately, I was not able to get an upgrade this time. I now must sit in the back of the plain with the rest of the commoners…
I still am feeling a little under the weather. I, apparently, am now a wuss and can’t handle the cold weather. I am fairly sure I have a full blown sinus infection. Thankfully, I have the rest of tonight and tomorrow to recover before I have to go back to work. I have to travel to Fayetteville, AR on Tuesday and Wednesday for work. I think they will appreciate it if I wasn’t coughing on them the whole way.
I really enjoyed seeing everyone. I did miss Ryan/Vickie and Curt/Erin this time, but we will fix that when I come back for the week of Christmas. I am going to send out an email the week before and try to “schedule” everyone.
November 24th…
So, Taco and I are sitting in DFW awaiting our flight to Indianapolis. I have become very efficient with air travel. Since I have Taco and am checking two bags, I decided to wait to check in here to see if there was an upgrade to First Class. There was. Let’s do the math. When I scheduled this flight, I was told that Taco would cost $150.00. I am checking two bags, so (in AA world) that is $15 for the first and $25 for the second. So, aside from the ticket price, it was going to cost me $190.00 extra dollars to flight with the rest of the commoners… So, imagine my surprise when I found out an upgrade to First Class only cost $70.00. The beautiful part is that the bag check fees are waived. So it really only cost me $30.00. Then I go to the ticket counter to pay for Taco and she tells me it is only $100/00. Apparently, it is cheaper to carry a dog if you are rich than if you are poor. LOVE THIS COUNTRY… So, it cost me $170/00 to fly First Class with Taco. A $20.00 savings. You can’t make this shit up…
Taco has a new pill for this flight. A tranquilizer… We went to the animal doctor on Saturday so he could get his year booster shots. I, at the same time, both feel sorry and entertained every time I take him to the vet. I can’t explain how he absolutely loves to cross the threshold of the door to their office. He reminds me of those cartoons where the animals pull out their claws and try to “dig” in to something to keep from going somewhere. I have to drag him in with his claws “scraping” the ground. I feel bad for him, but it is damn funny. This time he had to get blood drawn for a worm test, two booster shots and his claws clipped. I have to be honest; I am not sure which part he hates worse. He was pretty calm when the doctor took his blood, although he immediately began licking the area as soon as we let him go. After he stopped he looked at me like “what did I do to you….” Then came the physical exam, which he did very well with. Next were the two booster shots. Now, Taco now knows what shots look like and about when they are going to happen. He’s not dumb. As soon as the doctor picked up the first syringe, Taco tried to make a “break” for it. I, however, was prepared for this move and quickly countered. Caught… Back on the table he went and “manned” up for his shots. Then came the nail clipping. For those of you who know Taco knows how he overprotects his paws. He REALLY doesn’t like his nails clipped. I believe to him it is akin to how I view the prostate exam. Although I don’t “fight” it. I actually had to hold his body and head so the doctor could finish. When we were done Taco literally jumped into my arms as if to say “Uncle, Uncle” or “enough, I sorry for whatever I did.” Now when he gets shots in his neck, it causes him to want to itch the area, but he can’t actually reach the area. So when we were walking out of the building his instincts were still trying to itch this area while be were walking. So, imagine if you can, as he was walking his right hind leg was completely off the ground, but constantly moving as if he was scratching. He wasn’t because he can’t reach it and the rest of his limbs were trying to walk. So, three legs are propelling him forward, his right leg off the ground and moving at the speed of light near his shoulder and his head turning every so often to reach back to the shot location to lick it. All while moving forward. I felt so sorry for him, but I couldn’t stop laughing. Truly one of the funniest thinks I have seen him do. Well, back to where I starting this tangent, I told the doctor about him flying and they gave me a tranquilizer pill to give him. It is now 6:20 and I will give him one quarter of one pill in ten minutes. I hope it helps him to sleep through the flight. We will see.
Talk to you all later…
November 29th…
Ok, so I was not able to connect to the internet to post the above previous post. As it turns out, I am again sitting in an airport awaiting my flight. However, I am now waiting for my flight home to Texas. Unfortunately, I was not able to get an upgrade this time. I now must sit in the back of the plain with the rest of the commoners…
I still am feeling a little under the weather. I, apparently, am now a wuss and can’t handle the cold weather. I am fairly sure I have a full blown sinus infection. Thankfully, I have the rest of tonight and tomorrow to recover before I have to go back to work. I have to travel to Fayetteville, AR on Tuesday and Wednesday for work. I think they will appreciate it if I wasn’t coughing on them the whole way.
I really enjoyed seeing everyone. I did miss Ryan/Vickie and Curt/Erin this time, but we will fix that when I come back for the week of Christmas. I am going to send out an email the week before and try to “schedule” everyone.
