Oops, ten days since last posting--delay because of power outage from our huge storm. Being from SoCal, I had not really experienced a major storm like this in the ten years we'd been up here in the Sierras. Can't say that now. We had such a terrible storm with heavy, wet snow and quite a bit of wind that many areas look like a warzone Trees down everywhere, falling on buildings, cars, power poles, you name it. Nothing has fallen on my house or barn yet, but I still have my fingers crossed. The ground is so wet and I have a new creek running through the front of my property.
Power companies from as far away as Sacramento and Reno are here working 24/7 to get people back on power. Yosemite Natl Park was among the hardest hit area and some of it doesn't have power yet. Most people in the Sierras got their power by by last night but still we've had quite the hit. Damage has got to be huge. There were no generators to be found between Fresno and Modesto.Candles are gone too. Should have bought stock in those companies.
So I look at those wonderful pics posted on Facebook--31st Battalion and can certainly commiserate with their bright pink faces. They're COLD! We have been huddling for a week. I feel like one of Charlie's grandparents in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory--under the comforter in bed was the warmest place to be. A woodstove is nice but it doesn't heat the whole house. Thank goodness we didnt go for a pellet stove cause they need electricity to run. Maybe I will follow my son to Georgia when he goes. Of course, he is the proverbial firebox and radiates heat so maybe his face wasn't as red as those in the picture.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Still no letter
I feel like Beetle Bailey's parents, waiting at the mailbox but nothing comes. I did hear tonight that David wrote both of his children's classrooms as they had written him Valentines. That made him feel so very special, even if it attracted more personal attention at mailtime than he might have wanted. So that was great. Also Becca got a letter also. Does that mean that I'm next? I hope so, I'm overdue.
According to a blog, Basic Training, this week is about hand to hand combat. Hmmm. Maybe those karate lessons will come in handy. Hopefully no injuries or problems. One of the blogs I follow on basic training referred to a serious injury during this training series. That concerns me, no, it just flat worries me, which is rather ridiculous since the point of all this is to keep them safe when they're in a combat zone.
Combat zone.....Let's NOT go there, really. But I guess it's not realistic to expect a soldier to not ever experience a combat zone so I'm depending on the Army's training to send them out prepared. At least the training hasn't been shortened due to a dire need for soldiers in the field. It certainly has happened before and probably will again.
I will continue to write about every other day, send cartoons (yes, Beetle Bailey and others) and hope that the rest of his family will also. Keeping up a soldier's morale is half the battle in keeping them safe. I even expect to write other soldiers who don't get much mail. I think the USO can provide names, etc, in case you're thinking the same thing. Can't wait till I can send cookies, gum, whatever.
Till then, I must be content to know that several times a week, at mail call, my son will be receiving those brown envelopes I have mailed. Brown to match the mud that rumor says the bootcamp is deluged with at this time of year. Or brown because his name will be mud if I don't get a letter soon.
According to a blog, Basic Training, this week is about hand to hand combat. Hmmm. Maybe those karate lessons will come in handy. Hopefully no injuries or problems. One of the blogs I follow on basic training referred to a serious injury during this training series. That concerns me, no, it just flat worries me, which is rather ridiculous since the point of all this is to keep them safe when they're in a combat zone.
Combat zone.....Let's NOT go there, really. But I guess it's not realistic to expect a soldier to not ever experience a combat zone so I'm depending on the Army's training to send them out prepared. At least the training hasn't been shortened due to a dire need for soldiers in the field. It certainly has happened before and probably will again.
I will continue to write about every other day, send cartoons (yes, Beetle Bailey and others) and hope that the rest of his family will also. Keeping up a soldier's morale is half the battle in keeping them safe. I even expect to write other soldiers who don't get much mail. I think the USO can provide names, etc, in case you're thinking the same thing. Can't wait till I can send cookies, gum, whatever.
Till then, I must be content to know that several times a week, at mail call, my son will be receiving those brown envelopes I have mailed. Brown to match the mud that rumor says the bootcamp is deluged with at this time of year. Or brown because his name will be mud if I don't get a letter soon.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
My grandson's birthday is coming up
My grandson's birthday is coming up. His father will not be there. His father may not even be able to call him. This will be momumental.. All his grandparents will be attending whatever activities will happen. Those are not yet scheduled as things are a bit distracted. But I am willing to bet that this grandson, the one who would not speak to David on the phone, will not think it much of a birthday without his father. I have found the perfect gift, a recordable book, "Guess How Much I Miss You", that I plan for David to record. But it is very much in doubt that it will be able to happen for his birthday. That too is depressing, for myself and the thoughts of this upcoming birthday.
We are in doubt as to when David will be able to return home for a visit. Whether after boot or after AIT training, we are unsure. We are also not able to afford for all of us to visit him at graduation, even with my American Express member rewards points. So, how to best solve this dilemma. Perhaps to drive there? But gas prices are horrendous and I do not have a hybrid. The train? While we'd all love it, I don't think that's affordable, either. So far, details have yet to come from the Army or whomever. I will be surfing many blogs to see if there are any suggestions or solutions out there. Graduation date nebulous but I think we have about two months to solve this. Stay tuned.
We are in doubt as to when David will be able to return home for a visit. Whether after boot or after AIT training, we are unsure. We are also not able to afford for all of us to visit him at graduation, even with my American Express member rewards points. So, how to best solve this dilemma. Perhaps to drive there? But gas prices are horrendous and I do not have a hybrid. The train? While we'd all love it, I don't think that's affordable, either. So far, details have yet to come from the Army or whomever. I will be surfing many blogs to see if there are any suggestions or solutions out there. Graduation date nebulous but I think we have about two months to solve this. Stay tuned.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Just a phone call away
So I'm stirring the scrambled eggs when the phone rings. I wondered who'd be calling on a Sunday afternoon but sure didn't even think it would be David's voice saying, "Hi Mom!" It took a second to sink in that it was my son calling from boot camp, from another time zone, from many states away. He sounded so casual, with a little chuckle when I realized who it was.
I'd been hoping that he would be able to call me soon. Actually I was worried that he didn't have my phone number since everything was in his cell and they were not allowed to have them. I was planning on including my phone number in my next letter since, as far as I knew, he would have to use his phone card on a pay phone. What a nice surprise! They were given their cell phones for an hour and he was calling as many family members as he could fit in. I'm so thrilled to have heard him live, to ask my questions, well, a few of them, while he was right there on the line.
He sounded good, very good and proud of his accomplishments in the physical training area. He was never the athlete his brother was and never played football like his father did. His brief years in AYSO were not terribly successful and he did not use his height to go forward with basketball. He found karate very challenging and rewarding. As a parent, I applauded the sense of responsibility and respect it brought forth.
I asked him about the food, his weight, how long they had to eat. He said that like anywhere, the food varied in quality and taste. They had about five minutes to eat in and must finish with a glass of milk or water. I refrained from inquiring if he had time to pick out the onions he didn't like or what happened if he didn't eat his tomato-laden entrees. Now that he's in white phase, they can have the salad bar as a perk. They still are not getting deserts or sweets. Not that that's a bad thing, he's down below 250. We probably won't recognize him. Forgot to ask about sodas--David was addicted to Pepsi, guess that's not happening.
They've been into the rifle mode, shooting, etc. With his vision that's going to be a challenge to qualify but I have faith. If he's his mother's child or his grandmother's, he should do well--both of us were keen shots back in our Texas days. Course, that's a LONG time ago. The next big activity is the Warrior Tower. THAT is something I'm keen to hear his progress on. He has an aversion to heights and I'm not sure how his upper arm strength is, but it's probably much better than when he left.
Anyway, I'm still sitting here, basking in the afterglow of his phone call, checking flight schedules and prices, waiting for a graduation date to plug in to finalize our trip. I was proud of myself that I wasn't a blubbering idiot mom when he called, just the oldest proud Army mom!
I'd been hoping that he would be able to call me soon. Actually I was worried that he didn't have my phone number since everything was in his cell and they were not allowed to have them. I was planning on including my phone number in my next letter since, as far as I knew, he would have to use his phone card on a pay phone. What a nice surprise! They were given their cell phones for an hour and he was calling as many family members as he could fit in. I'm so thrilled to have heard him live, to ask my questions, well, a few of them, while he was right there on the line.
He sounded good, very good and proud of his accomplishments in the physical training area. He was never the athlete his brother was and never played football like his father did. His brief years in AYSO were not terribly successful and he did not use his height to go forward with basketball. He found karate very challenging and rewarding. As a parent, I applauded the sense of responsibility and respect it brought forth.
I asked him about the food, his weight, how long they had to eat. He said that like anywhere, the food varied in quality and taste. They had about five minutes to eat in and must finish with a glass of milk or water. I refrained from inquiring if he had time to pick out the onions he didn't like or what happened if he didn't eat his tomato-laden entrees. Now that he's in white phase, they can have the salad bar as a perk. They still are not getting deserts or sweets. Not that that's a bad thing, he's down below 250. We probably won't recognize him. Forgot to ask about sodas--David was addicted to Pepsi, guess that's not happening.
They've been into the rifle mode, shooting, etc. With his vision that's going to be a challenge to qualify but I have faith. If he's his mother's child or his grandmother's, he should do well--both of us were keen shots back in our Texas days. Course, that's a LONG time ago. The next big activity is the Warrior Tower. THAT is something I'm keen to hear his progress on. He has an aversion to heights and I'm not sure how his upper arm strength is, but it's probably much better than when he left.
Anyway, I'm still sitting here, basking in the afterglow of his phone call, checking flight schedules and prices, waiting for a graduation date to plug in to finalize our trip. I was proud of myself that I wasn't a blubbering idiot mom when he called, just the oldest proud Army mom!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I'm just secondhand Rose
Well, as to news, that is. But second hand news is better than none. Talked to my daughter-in-law and my grandkids tonight. David had been able to call them. So glad cause they really need the communication, they've been such a close family and I know how hard this transition has been in every way.
He is the Squadron Leader and someone higher up has discovered his talent in computers. He is doing their trouble-shooting and repair so that their system is nor only online, but in top shape. Speaking of shape, he has lost more weight and is the thinnest since high school. Can't wait to see him at graduation, whenever that is.
Apparently he is getting my letters and clippings from Sunday funnies. Hope Beetle Bailey goes over ok and doesn't get him in trouble. Just keep picturing him in charge of keeping his squadron in line, making their beds military style, etc. It figures, though, he is the oldest private there, having turned 35 while there. Bec says he sounds in great spirits, though tired. But, from what I read, tired is their first name during boot camp. And to think he is the one shaking the others out of their bunks, lol! My slug-a-bed out of bed at o dark thirty, wow!
Reading other blogs from Army guys and their families helps a lot to give me the bigger picture that I'm not getting from my son yet. I hope that he's keeping a journal because I know howhelpful that will be to all of us who aren't there. I hope that the rest of my family is reading this from time to time. Maybe others in the same position. Anyway, here's hoping for fresher news for all.
He is the Squadron Leader and someone higher up has discovered his talent in computers. He is doing their trouble-shooting and repair so that their system is nor only online, but in top shape. Speaking of shape, he has lost more weight and is the thinnest since high school. Can't wait to see him at graduation, whenever that is.
Apparently he is getting my letters and clippings from Sunday funnies. Hope Beetle Bailey goes over ok and doesn't get him in trouble. Just keep picturing him in charge of keeping his squadron in line, making their beds military style, etc. It figures, though, he is the oldest private there, having turned 35 while there. Bec says he sounds in great spirits, though tired. But, from what I read, tired is their first name during boot camp. And to think he is the one shaking the others out of their bunks, lol! My slug-a-bed out of bed at o dark thirty, wow!
Reading other blogs from Army guys and their families helps a lot to give me the bigger picture that I'm not getting from my son yet. I hope that he's keeping a journal because I know howhelpful that will be to all of us who aren't there. I hope that the rest of my family is reading this from time to time. Maybe others in the same position. Anyway, here's hoping for fresher news for all.
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