Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving was really nice. We decided to break the tradition and have smoked duck. Jerry has a talent for smoking meat and it was delicious. We invited some Marines that work out at the detention center. We had three Captains and a LtCol. The highlight of the event was when Turbo walked under the table and began to pee on the rug right next to the LtCol's foot. This is something he has never done. We can only figure he was mad we locked him up during dinner. After I cleaned up the mess we all went outside to show them our backyard. Turbo walked over and started to pee on the sidewalk next to the LtCol again. I really don't know what got into the little fellow but he sure embarrassed me.

Good Bless the USA and Target

I know, I know. I haven't blogged in forever. I have been so busy recovering from my trip to Florida. I'm sure you are all chomping at the bit to hear all of my shopping adventures, especially the men. I think I hit every store known to man in the short week I was there. Much to my dismay it was freezing cold and me without a jacket or anything long sleeved for that matter. I had to muster up the strength to shop for a winter wardrobe as well. Poor me. There was a Target right outside the base where I was staying. I was a frequent visitor and knew most of the staff before I left. I finished all my Christmas shopping and mailed out most. Oh yes, I was there for training and that was fine. Well, back to the shopping. I think the most challenging part for me was all the choices. How to pick one pair of shoes from racks and racks of really cute shoes. I think maybe it's better to have fewer choices. OK, that's a lie. I left for Florida with a suitcase that was half full and returned with two stuffed suitcases. It was six months of shopping in one short week. Crazy Clown Airlines managed to be only 3 hours late on the return flight. The best part was when the flight attendant, that spoke little English, said "we are sorry for the flight delay, we hope you can make all your connections." The entire plane erupted in laughter. It was amazing to step off the airplane and feel the blast of the warm air. GTMO is truly paradise. Now if they would only build a Target, it would be heaven.

Crazy Clown Airlines

When Jerry and I were moving to GTMO we were delighted when we boarded the airplane at BWI. The plane was a newer lovely Continental airplane that the government had contracted. The flight attendants were looking sharp and thanked the passengers over and over for their service to our country. They served us a lovely sandwich, free cocktails, and an in flight movie. We decided right then and there that GTMO was a pretty good gig. So imagine my shock and dismay when Jerry returned from a trip a couple of weeks ago and informed me that the good days were over.

Continental was no more and Crazy Clown Airlines took their place. I was sad but thought it really couldn’t be all that bad. So yesterday morning I get up bright and early; 5:00 a.m. I clean the kitchen, finish the laundry, feed the dogs, finish packing, and eat breakfast with Jerry. At 9:30 a.m. Jerry and I load up on the ferry and travel across the bay to the airport. I check in my bags and choose a seat right near the front of the plane. Jerry takes off and I start socializing. In GTMO you know everyone.

A couple of minutes later we hear, “Ladies and Gentlemen the flight will be delayed four hours.” A few minutes later, “the flight will be delayed for six hours.” An hour later, “Ladies and Gentlemen we will not be leaving before 8:00 p.m. so call us at 6:00 p.m. to find out when we want you to come back.”

I jump on the bus that takes you to the ferry. I just made the ferry and was home by 1:00 p.m. Jerry and I had a nice afternoon and I was even able to attend an evening ceremony for the departing XO. The new flight time was 9:30 p.m. so I boarded the 8:00 p.m. boat and headed back to the airport. A little after 12:00 a.m. we finally boarded the aircraft the old, falling apart aircraft that is. The pilot gets on the intercom and says, “sorry folks we had some major electrical problems at BWI and that set us back. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to hear before taking off in an airplane are the words MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. To make matters worse some bubble head behind me kept saying things like, “wow the pilots must be really tired.” I had a window seat and could no kidding see electrical wires above me. Imagine my surprise when the flight attendants starting juggling. OK, that didn’t really happen. I was one happy camper when the airplane touched down in Jacksonville at 2:00 a.m.

I was in the sixth row and knew it wouldn’t be long until I would be kissing the ground under me that is until the flight attendant said, “we will be unloading from the back of the plane.” Noooooooooooooo, I screamed. Then patiently waited the half hour to unload. I made my way into the terminal to pick up my rent-a-car keys. The rental place had closed and just left everyone’s keys on the counter. Everyone, except mine of course. Fortunately, I found a ride to the hotel. I finally hit the rack at 3:30 a.m. I was up at 8:00 a.m. to catch a ride to the international airport to grab another car. All and all I am really tired. I have visited Target, twice and hit the mall. I drove 75 mph on the freeway. I know; speed racer. But it’s time for bed. The four and a half hours of sleep I got last night are not working for me.

Why It's a good idea to visit GTMO

Jim and Barbara were able to spend an entire week here in GTMO and were treated to an extravaganza of fun. Jerry was able to take a few days off and serve as tour guide. They got to see everything there is to see, and I mean everything. We even made sure we had conch on hand so our guests got to experience slimy snail extraction.





After chopping up the conch Jerry made a fabulous meal of conch fritters, conch chowder, and conch ceviche. There is nothing like a slimy snail food fest.

Sunny side up

I know most of you are moaning about the recent time change, except those of you in Arizona. Now normally I am in the shower at 6:30 a.m., now the new 5:30 a.m, and I missed this everyday. Who knew. So thank you daylight savings. It's been a pleasure doing business with you.