|
For 16 years he played Army one weekend a month and two weeks a year. Then on 9/11 he came home, silently went upstairs and dragged his gear down from the 3rd floor, expecting the call that evening, I guess. That's when it hit me, "Oh, now I get it..."
|
Saturday, March 30, 2002
Dear Chris,
The e-mail I sent you went to a Jane Davidson somewhere in this world, due to my lack of attention when I put the address on the letter.
She must be wondering what pogey bait is, who are these nutty people who send stovetop stuffing, and just plain WHAT!
I got you some onion sets today, didn't know whether you wanted red or white so sent both plus some miracle grow, because it will be a miracle if they grow in that climate and soil. My friend's husband assured me they could be sent so if they come as an oozy mess blame him. If they do, you can concoct something from the miracle grow! I'm sure Daniel will have some suggestions.
We STILL miss you and your superior brand of nuttiness.
Love from your mother-in-law, Shirley
Years ago in Ithaca, Chris had a green onion and dill garden on the path returning from school. He didn't have to go out of his way to get an onion fix. Onions are a tough crop. If any plant survives, they will.
Love, Shirlee
posted by Debbie at 5:30 PM
Dear Chris:
Everyone likes to hear about you. The Indiana crowd were all talking about the messages that Deb forwards. A dry period now in your communications. I hope that you are in good shape, warm, well fed, and in good company.
Deb, Amanda, and Zac will be coming up next weekend. The four of us will attend the UU Church dinner at the church. Deb is taking back the four poster bed in the guest room for Amanda. Also possibly, the desk. It's sturdy and has drawers. Finally, you get the Zanesville mugs with the sturdy handles. Amanda gets the yarn, needles, and sample talking mittens. Zac takes his little cars.
Deb will have many things to sort through, from numerous clasp envelopes, to sheets, towels, jars, cooking equipment, spices, and lots of books (travel and art books for Amanda). Zac was rather left out. We'll see how to make it up to him.
On Sunday, 4/7, Pat Bentz, Louise Bishop, and the Jensens are having a going away open house for me. Deb will be able to stop in.
I drove to and from Indiana with Don. We had a good time together. He said that the term pogey bait originated in W.W.I. Mac made chicken and dumplings with mashed potatoes dripping with butter. Ralph is no longer able to roll over in bed. He recognized me and spoke to me briefly. Jacob and Chris Earl came over with Dana to visit with me. They are both in high school and are wonderful, interactive boys.
Jenny was here last weekend to expedite packing. Aaron phoned me to say that Jenny was in her totally focused mode. "You'll get a lot done, Grandma, but it won't be a relaxed weekend." He was right.
E-mail Deb. She has a great network of Chris news. Your pogey bait from me has been sent. Enjoy. Lots of love, Mom
posted by Debbie at 5:19 PM
Note on pogey bait:
My sister-in-law inquired as to what pogey bait is. Pogey bait is the fuel of the Army. It is any yummy, savory thing of the recipient's desire, which can change from day to day. I will ask Chris to post a list of preferred pogey bait, both his and his comrades-in-arms. Today's selections included: a multi-pack box of individually-wrapped, 4-pack cookies (Oreo's, Nutter Butter's, Chips Ahoy and Fig Newtons), Milky Way/Snickers/Three Musketeer/Twix bars, cashews, mixed nuts, pistachios, Freedent gum, Wintergreen Altoids, two pillow packs of shredded bacon, a couple of dozen beef jerky, Life Savers, and probably one or two other things I've not forgotten in my haste to put the box together and get it in the mail today...
I also forgot to mention the postal regs for boxes to APO addresses. The maximum weight is 40# and girth (the measurements around each side of the package) may not exceed 108". Believe me, if you can get 40# in a box that size, you are sending anvils ;-)
Here's the APO address one last time:
Redacted due to opsec concerns
Don't overwhelm him, though, as they are just now setting up permanent camp. Think quality over quantity and think camping. Anything light, highly portable and well packaged. I've been through tons of bubble wrap and packing peanuts already...
posted by Debbie at 12:32 PM
I was following a link on the Blogger home page: www.blogger.com and found the personal reflections of a 9/11 widow on Salon.com in an article called, "Loving a Ghost":
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2002/02/14/wtc_valentine/index.html?x
Here's a sample:
A friend explains my present circumstances with this story:
There was a woman who had two dogs. When one became terminally ill, she decided to have him put to sleep. On the day of the appointment, on the veterinarian's advice, she brought the other dog along so that it could sniff the dead dog's body and comprehend its death. Deprived of that experience, the surviving dog would have waited at the door for eternity, always expecting her companion to return. I am the dog still waiting at the door.
For the techno-challenged, a hint: highlight the link above by placing your cursor on the beginning of it, holding down the left button and sweeping it all the way to the end. Then right-click on it and choose copy. Then go to your browser bar above (mine says Address), place your cursor at the beginning of the block, right-click again, choose paste and hit enter once the link is seen in the bar.
posted by Debbie at 4:44 AM
Friday, March 29, 2002
People are starting to share bat stories...
PS Tim has lots of experience with bats in this old house. He will have to tell you the story of the night he chased one while he was naked, wearing a football helmet and swinging a tennis racket. I promise not to send him over naked if you need a bat patrol! Love, nanc
posted by Debbie at 2:18 AM
Thursday, March 28, 2002
Deb: I am back got in 4 hours ago and had to wake up was going to roll back to sleep but it was daylight and could not. Will compose long letter in a few hours and brodcast it out. I have been looking at the full moon last night in Astan. Really time is weird here as it was only six hours ago tried to call you about 4 yesterday [we were outside picking up the dead bat] and no one was home will try again probably later today. Have to get in the shower as I have been dusted and haven't had one. Miss you. Love, Chris
posted by Debbie at 7:00 PM
I've been enjoying your letters, and everyone elses' on blogspot! I'm almost afraid to send an e-mail because those friends (and some of them are my relatives) of yours are NUTS! I've just laughed myself silly...I'm sure I'm going to be thrown out of my apartment for hysterical laughing! I think that's a clause in my lease!
I've just spent the better part of the day writing an article for Cincinnati Woman (yes they let me write for them!) trying to describe you for my article. My problem is cutting it down to a manageable length!
What do you want me to send you besides Stovetop stuffing? I tried to get some jerky from Avrils, but they said it would be a mess when it got there, not even suitable for the cobras. I've been looking for a pogeybait store but haven't had any luck. Lots of stuff is in glass, precluding sending it.
We miss you A LOT...I have no one to save me when I need to do it myself! I haven't been nirvened in months...it gets lonely!
Love, Shirley
posted by Debbie at 6:22 PM
Excellent link to the website of a buddy of one of Chris's compadres:
http://www.hyperorg.com/
posted by Debbie at 2:07 PM
Arrived in the mail today on a postcard made of cardboard...
Dear Davidsons,
It's amazing what one will do to get free mail! (he drew a picture of a stamp on the front, but all they have to do is write "free mail" and it's shipped for them...) The weather is as variable as Cincinnati's for this time of the year. I hope the monkeys are pulling their weight at the house. I am still trying to unpack and organize all this junk - a never ending sorting process [see Amanda's reference below to the fact that we have sent so much stuff, at his request, that he must need a dedicated tent for it].
I do not have any complaints, have decent chow and a good place to sleep. Typical; when it's sunny, it's dusty and when it rains, it's mud! Still, no complaints. Will probably get a lot of reading done as time permits. Sorry to say that I will be like Gary Condit and won't be able to comment on anything due to the current nature of the situation. The tempo is the same speed of fast ---> slow as pre-deployment. Still trying to get used to the time change, but don't have any effects of jet lag. I hope you are finding whatever you need in the house. In the tool boxes in the garage I have sockets [ed. note: not sure what I'm supposed to be doing with socket wrenches but will try to dream up an appropriate task - change the spark plugs, maybe?] When I get back I will go through all that stuff and cull out the junk [the bad junk as opposed to the good junk, I suppose - those of you who have witnessed our basement/garage know exactly what I'm talking about...] Will keep you posted via e-mail. Until later,
Love, Chris
PS - He tried to call but I was out picking up the dead bat; more below. Fortunately, he left voice mail so I could enjoy my weekend without worrying (to the extent possible ;-) D.
posted by Debbie at 1:54 PM
Dear Deb,
Denise is in town for Passover, and today is just the same sort of day as 9/11--blue sky, mild weather, slight breeze, which makes us both glad and sad in memory. She and I have just finished putting together books for a package for Chris. There are quite a few, mostly mysteries, so I'm going to send one package now, another later. Here are the titles of the whole shebang (just so you may prevent other people from duplicating the titles, not that it would matter much: Chris could pass duplicates along to friends). TO ENGINEER IS HUMAN is the sort of book I always have passed on to Chris after I finish with it, like an earlier title: WHY
BUILDINGS FALL DOWN; Denise gave it to me, and she is pleased that I'm sending it along to him. She adds her hello and best wishes, too. Thanks for all the info and for staying in touch. Love, Don and Denise (and Kevin, too, if he were here, but he has to work today).
Package 1
FEAR NO EVIL, Robert Baer (nonfiction)
TO ENGINEEER IS HUMAN, Henry Petroski (nonfiction)
HIT LIST, Lawrence Block
TIME TO MURDER AND CREATE, Lawrence Block
THE HONOURABLE SCHOOLBOY, John Le Carre
THE BIG SLEEP, Raymond Chandler
THE BLOODY WOOD, Michael Innes
DEATH OF A DOXY, Rex Stout
RED HARVEST, Dashiell Hammett
INNOCENT BLOOD, P. D. James
Package 2
ASK THE CARDS A QUESTION, Marcia Muller
LISTENING WOMAN, Tony Hillerman
SOMETHING TO DIE FOR, James Webb
A RIGHT TO DIE, Rex Stout
THE DARK ROOM, Minette Walters
MONK'S HOOD, Ellis Peters
ONE CORPSE TOO MAMY, Ellis Peters
SLOW WALTZ IN CEDAR BEND, Robert J. Waller
[This box isn't full yet, so I'll add others as I find them.]
Don [Chris's uncle in NYC]
posted by Debbie at 12:35 PM
Good Day,
Happy Easter to come! It's beautiful here in KY! They predicted 58 but it feels more like 68. And there's a smile on my face!
Lately, my hobbies include job hunting, laundry and reading. And apparently I'm more adequately suited for the laundry and reading. I had to beg Daniel to stop washing my clothing as I cannot possibly replace all of the items that he ruins. Yes, I may very well be the only woman on earth that prefers the sole duties of laundry. I accept this role. Once again, not knowing what I want to be when I grow up, laundry will suffice for now. I'm still in the dredges of accounting. Not one day have I ever woken up and gotten excited about going to work to count beans. I have too much flare for this type of job. We'll just have to wait and see where my impatience takes me!
Ok Chris, two things from you. One, could someone edumacate me as to what pogey bait is? Two, what kind of rocket is Zak making and why does the idea frighten me? He's not allowed to drive until he's 21, right?
D&C, thank you both for taking the time to sit down with Daniel and me and talking at Christmas time. The day was very enjoyable and the talks special. And Chris is right about the little ones...I often ask and encourage Daniel to make contact with his kids and family because every day exercises get in the way of creating the memories that are going to count in this life. I miss the kids all of the time and I'm only in KY. It dawned on me at Christmas that I have not ever gotten to see Amanada perform any folk dancing, nor have I ever seen Zak play soccer...though time isn't always convenient and we take one day at a time, please know that your family is always in my thoughts and prayers. Also, I always welcome hearing how the kids are and what they are up to!
Lastly, pass on an eternal thanks to the "guys" that surround you. While they are nameless to me they have a place in my hopes and prayers.
Hugs to you,
Shae
posted by Debbie at 11:27 AM
While in the vicinity of xxxxxx xxxxxxx, check out the local sports venue for a contest of Bahkshi (sort of a cross between rugby and polo). 8 teams of 9 participants on horseback charge toward the carcass of a beheaded goat and try to carry it to a circle at the opposite end of the field. Of course, NPR being NPR, they pointed out that, in the past, this sport was played with the bodies of your vanquished foes... D.
I hope to play a game yahoo who says they have to be dead. The news is funny to watch I am listening to the late night show at 8:00 which is a hoot as I don't have to stay up late. How are the monkeys doing I think of all of you. A guy was sitting next to me today and said you know this place is totally devoid of children. now I know why little kids are such a hit at the retirement homes. One misses the little buggers when they aren't around. I bet you would ship them off in a heart beat. I miss them and hope that they are behaving well. I will fill you in on some of the other stuff via the snail. Will be thinking of you on the full moon. Just look up i will be looking up at the same thing and we will connect. It is a small world, the night sky is brilliant and we have the sky chock full of stars will send the box home one of these days. Probably when I get back we will stay hidden for as long as we can until later love Chris To the monkeys: Keep working together and work to the common goal of keeping the family together and be polite to each other thanks
posted by Debbie at 7:07 AM
goes without saying that espresso bean [Cloud Nine chocolate bars ;-)] beats all hands down. Going down to xxxxxx airport for a little holiday and to confirm my zero. Hope all is well and that the roof is done or near done. Check what is happening and look out the window on the 3rd floor. I found that the full moon is on the 28th well I am going to head out to chow Chris
9 a.m. tomorrow or 9 p.m. today local time? I got the first part but not the "confirm my zero" part - what's up with that? D.
Tee hee army humor will send explaination via snail mail at Marios computer. He is crying that he gets no mail have someone send him a post [note to ladies: here's your chance to introduce yourself to a very available guy, Mario Pucci, Unit #3, APO AE, 09311 MFF18D@aol.com] or send him a picture of max with our kids. A letter goes a long way here. Will split around 9:00 or later local which is 10 hours ahead of you. We have been building our hooch and have been trying to put our stuff away but I haven't done a lot today will eat and then try to post back before I split until later love Chris xoxoxoxoxo
posted by Debbie at 7:05 AM
We need you here; there is a BAT in the house with a damaged wing; what now? D.
Catch it with a towel and put it outside or throw both the cats in the room and come back with a mop. Or get out the bat box and nurse it back to health. Really if it is injured it is prrobaly going to die and the best thing is to get it out of the house. Will try to burst
out some traffic later on we have finally moved to our permanent tent and have been trying to sort all our stuff out. We had about four inches of rain and part of the camp was flooded the funniest thing was watching this captain bailing out this puddle and watching the water pour back in. Rank does not always mean common sense. Been doing well and staying busy. There is no shortage of missions to get done the only thing is that we don't have any days off and one day melts into another Love Chris xoxoxo
posted by Debbie at 7:00 AM
Hey Chris,
Been thinking a lot about you these days (for some reason...) I gather from the emails that deb has been forwarding that you are now camping out very near where I grew up [ed. note: in Pakistan, as the son of a missionary]. How nostalgic! Thus, I imagine you have thought about me a few times with new eyes. Interesting, how we have flip-flopped. Speaking of which, I remember how we corresponded while you were learning to hump and drop and I was floating around India and BD. I think that is when I really started to feel our friendship, much more than the happenstance of IHS [Ithaca HS]. I think I got more letters from you that year than from anyone. Remember? That was before e-mail.... Letters really meant something.
So with that in mind, and you seeming to have time on your hands to get bored and feel neglected I feel chastised to write to you forthwith. Well, e-mail you anyway. I'm not the care package type, unless I was trying to woo you into the sack which I believe I am not...
So the big news of the week (which I, not having a TV nor dutifully reading the daily paper, didn't learn about till three days later!) was the German Lemonades maliciously donated to the international church in the capital city next door to you. For me it was like a mini 9-11, as I have several known friends (former classmates and staff from MCS) living in that city who would have been worshipping there. Fortunately, none of them were. I say "fortunately" in the guilty/ironic sort of way that I imagine soldiers in battle feel and that many felt on 9-11 when they learned that people they knew in the big apple were not smoked in the twin stacks.
Your last message said that your darling should not plan any vacations by herself anytime soon. Does that mean that Cinti may be Ceeing you soon or even if you do skedaddle (hey-you only just arrived!), I suppose you might get humped elsewhere before returning to Yankeedoodleland. I hope you are enjoying all my preciously poetic and metaphorical brilliance in the name of discreteville. No, don't thank me. I'm enjoying it. Kind of like Eddy Mirthy in "Show Time" which I don't plan to see (bad reviews), but the previews were hilarious. Speaking of movies, I read recently in Time or somewhere that you guys in blankistan (as Deb so poetically put it) have all been treated to ALL FIVE of the best picture nominees in the name of keeping the loyal and brave entertained and morale-hearty.
Speaking of trivial chatter... Do you remember that scene in Apocalypse Wow when then-17-year-old Lawrence Fishburne gets shot dead off the boat while listening to a cassette tape letter from his mom and the tape keeps playing her voice while he's lying there...
On that cheerful note, I guess it's time for me to stroll upstairs, slip between the clean sheets and lay my head on the soft pillow and listen to the wind bringing in a cold snap on the OTHER side of the window.
Okay, that was mean. Underneath that is the passing thought earlier this week that at 44 I thought I was long past any chance of being in a situation where I'd worry about seeing my buddy's name on a list... I'm glad you're smart--and that you have little people waiting for you to remind you to be smart. But I also know that in your sport, the rocks can be slippery even for the most sure-footed wader.
I'll breathe easier when I hear you're back in-country. An event definitely worth a drive to Cinti to celebrate. Deb's an amazing woman. I'm appreciating her for you. (And of course still take a little pride for introducing you--and for the honor of being there when you tied the knot.) Glad you two have managed to put down roots together. Rosalie and I are still working at it, but that's another story.
Take care, Mr. Keep-on-truckin' guy, Paul
posted by Debbie at 6:57 AM
Had the cinc of all us special dudes cinc=commander in chief so we had to drive the entourage around and I got one of the coveted cinc coins. The general comes from WV and has a good rapport with the nineteenth. I received three easterboxes and opened them up and ate the heads off all the chickens. It was a good selection of spices the sesame oil leaked ever so slightly and I will clean some of the stuff off. I still have to get that package off and I will be sending some stuff back home on an ongoing basis as it is either the wrong color or out of season. Time seems to be going by at a slow pace but we are staying busy to keep morale up. Best to you all I love you all and miss you greatly. I won't speak of when I get back but I would not make any plans. Chris xoxoxoxoxo
posted by Debbie at 6:53 AM
Dear Deb
I received the 3 packages from you and one from your mother. It was a good to get all the packages. I have a dog and pony show tomorrow and will write to you later about it. I am preparing a package for you. You can be one of the cool people in the wood to have the real stuff straight from boingy land, boingastan. Have some of the cool hats called pakots. I got one for each family member so then we can profile as a family. Some cool shirts as one can't have a more patriotic rag. Then a cool key fob you can see that we are based from a place called camp xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx - don't put that on the mail. I was burning all the boxes after I opened them so no one can start a profile on me. I will be sending some other stuff home that is excess to my needs or the wrong color. I have a bunch of socks that are for the wrong climate just put them in my sock drawer. The weather has been getting hot seems to have gone from winter to summer in a week. Keep me appraised of the house i may have more time in the future and may request cds in the future. Sending snail mail tomorrow. Get some typing software for the kids as they will need it. Love Chris
You are kidding! I am so amazed - I just sent them last Saturday...
We are slowly getting the house together. Almost all the stuff is put away and I am having the kids keep their room neat. I am making homework and reading more of a priority; Amanda is soaking in the tub but when she comes downstairs I will have her do Kumon.
Talked to Clinton this a.m. He may send you kraut juice ;-) I am sending you that smoked salmon that has been on the third floor for about two years, a copy of the editorial letter and the American Heritage with the great article on the history of this conflict. Maybe I will copy it before I send it, or should I send you the copy of the article and keep the magazine? Is reading material needed? I've got old Reader's Digests and stuff I could throw in the box as well.
Missing you. Love, D.
PS - Zak cleaned up the kitchen while I was typing this and I am proud of him for being a good helper.
posted by Debbie at 6:51 AM
Wednesday, March 27, 2002
Dear Dad, I really miss you, I am now at home and at school I read a book called Big Foot doesnt square dance, I went from chapter 1-10 and about to finish it, Amanda said that we gave you so much junk that you have 1 tent for junk and 1 tent for you. Is it night over there, because it is morning over here. We saw the Princess diares over DVD, In the movie there's a cat named Fat Louie and a guy who pulled a quarter out of Lilly's hair. love, Zak Davidson
dear dad hi guess what last night I got to see a little bit of the matrix and I will tell you I do not want to be a nurse or a doctor and people who are doctors and nurses will want to kiss there job good bye. well have to run. you daughter amanda
posted by Debbie at 2:53 PM
Dear Dad, How are you, I hope your okay, we went to the pool, it was fun, can you send us some Biongy pogey bait? signed, zak
Hope it's not a full moon tonight as there is a very heavy storm right now. the roof is felted in but not totally shingled. I assume that it will be OK, or is this a bad assumption? D.
Zak all the pogey bait here in boingy land is real perishable. Goat meat on a stick just won't arrive very fresh. As to the roof one never knows I thought that I dried a roof in real well and then on easter morning one layer of felt lapped the wrong way found a hole then dripped down the occupants ear, they were nits anyway just listen and if you hear dripping there are buckets in the basement. Best to all love Chris
posted by Debbie at 2:50 PM
This is such a wake-up call; so many things left unsaid and undone. When you get back, I want to be very purposeful in terms of pursuing the life that we want to live. We need to figure out what it is we want to do - more leisure, more family time, whatever - and then get on the path that gets us there; capiche? You know, camping at the Gorge, get some of those little kayaks like the Norbergs have, whatever. I just don't want to get to the end of our collective lives and have any regrets about how we lived our lives...
Here is a poem I thought you'd like:
Old Timer's Bedtime
Here he comes, all ready for bed
Wearing nothing at all but a cap on his head.
Here am I - my attire complete
A smile on my face and sox on my feet.
We're old and we're wrinkled, but why should we mind?
We sleep like two trees - our branches entwined.
Who needs pajamas and nighties so cute
When sleeping's the best in your birthday suit?
From today's Dear Abby.
XOXOXO, D.
posted by Debbie at 2:48 PM
i am coming down with some type of summer cold and it sucks boo hoo time to see Mario. I hear the birds coming in from
a night hunting the TB just keep on top of the roofers and turn in any flat tire receipts to the roofing co. I am probably going to search another site to find out something it has been good to chat with you It is funny as I am in a tent with a tv that is on 24 hours and we get the news from america good morning america and afn so we get your weather then boingland weather one minute later its pretty funny and all the goings on in the US. I was joking at campbell about the people at guantanamo that ten years from now people will be saying what are we going to do with these guys. I know that on transport to cuba some had to be sedated as they wanted to bring down the plane. CHRIS
posted by Debbie at 2:47 PM
Dear Dad, I learned to armfart in school today Zak
This place is either mud or dust, when the planes run up then these big man made dust storms abound. Time seems to be melting together as we are on every day. Things never stop here but things should settle down once the other group moves out. I hope that
everythhing is going well on the house and with the monkeys. The letter from Zak confirmed my doubts of the Norwood education, When Zak goes for a job interview and they ask can you do.... And Zak says no but I can can do arm farts, I think that he will be in like flint. Best to all Chris
posted by Debbie at 2:47 PM
Hey, Chris I would like you to get me a pet cobra as I hear they make great pets. And since there seems to be an overabundance there I don't think anyone will miss one. I bet it would be great for the kids for show and tell. And what a great trick to take it to our local watering hole and let it loose. I bet all the patrons would have a blast. I could also use it as a baby sitter. Just put it by the door and the kids are in for the night! Daddy got a Harley yesterday! So now I am cool! When you get back you will have to get used to my new coolness. It could take a while but I'll be patient. Now I have something big and black! I bet the BABES will like it. I hope so because Shae doesn't. I hope everything is going well, I have a lot to do today so I gotta go. I have to up my life insurance and look at prosthetic limbs and stuff like that. talk to you soon. Daniel.
P.S. KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN!!!!!
Daniel I hope that you got the road warrior type of bike. Here in boingyland there are two pussy pads behind the drivers seat on the Harley one for your extra wife! We have the snake pit where we put the little critters it has started to warm up and we have only seen the smaller ones so far. We are tryng to figure out how to get them back probaly in a cooler as we can chill them and they will partially hibernate. This place is a blast either mud or dust can't wait to extend my stay best wishes Chris
posted by Debbie at 2:40 PM
What sorts of projects are you doing these days?? What happened with the phd program?? post later Chris
This school thing is sucking up a lot of my time, mostly because I got into a shouting match about it on the discussion board when someone called me a member of "Barb's destruction team"; I told them that I am a preservationist at heart but that some of these facilities are dated and the cost of bringing them up to code, etc. couldn't be fully discounted. Also evaluation for the three clients that I am currently working with. I gave a bid to Mary for evaluation but I got outbid by UC by $4500. Her abstinence only program is such a hot potato politically that I was kind of glad I didn't give the low bid.
Materials for Ph.D. program came today. Will try to get around to it next week. Might go to Muncie this weekend but waiting to hear whether Dana can put us up Sat. night.
I'll be sitting outside during the next full moon thinking about you. What are you doing up so early? It's one o'clock there. Please stay rested. XOXOXO, Debbie
my dad would look at the numbers and then quantify and make a decision. As far as getting in a baiting contest with these yahoos, don't do it. I believe that the taliban aka as the underground democrat norwood party UDNP has cells which represent various issues for woodistan. Then you get an outsider like yourself and you will be ambushed in a public place concerning woodistan issues. Will be sending a camera home so you can see this wonderful place
Sorry but just got back from the meeting. I had to speak on behalf of our sub-committee because Steve Thornbury got in a shouting match with Will DeLuca at a special committee Saturday and I was standing in between the two of them wondering how a 150 pound woman was going to separate about 500 pounds of angry men if it came to blows. Going to bed now so I can spin in the morning, 8:30 meeting, dropping the car off for service after that. Should be at my terminal ~8p local time. D.
Ya it seems that these dem functions are like the Jesse Ventura world wide dem functions well so much for roberts rules of order. So what other big stinky items are happening in the wood? I have seen the first flowers here ie a dandylion. Yeah thats it why don't you send some flower seeds that are drought resistant ask my mom but it would be nice to have some color here besides brown. Or just send the seeds and I will get the water. Make sure that the monkeys write and tell me a story of what they have read in the last few days love chris. The stars here are quite bright and it is the falling star show every night. I was thinking of the long note that I wrote you long ago is on the main beam in the basement above the drill press where the drier used to sit. CHRIS
posted by Debbie at 2:38 PM
Hey you little monkey if you were in e-mail right now you could respond to dad. I bet that you guys are either watching tv or playing video games. We are doing our jobs here. The night has planes being fired up and making lots of noise. The one thing that will
wake you up is when the jets are running up. I scored some pilot chutes that were being throw away from the airdrop bundles. Zak the people who were on the same floor as me down at Campbell called riggers are building all the humanitarian air bundles. A lot of
things are happening here and all the little things add up to become a big thing/operation. I hope that bothof you guys are taking your studies as here in boingyland people are looking for an education. Don't take for granted what you get for free in America. Clean water, food , a house, and the ability to go to school. I love you both send me a post if you need any more information on your project. Now I can only steer you in the correct direction, I won't be able to help except to tell you where things are. What are you playing/reading/goofing off on? When you guys write me you need to tell me about the book that you are reading this week study/read write your dad and be good to each other and your mom Love Dad
posted by Debbie at 2:33 PM
thanks debbie. i bought a new things last night but couldn't find some items that i thought were right. we sent him a goofy card my dad made - he's converted christmas cards into pretty outrageous messages using his warped sense of humor and pictures from
national geographic. chris will either like them or question my heritage and never want to hang out with us again. i love you and am thinking about you and the kids. let us know if you are coming to columbus and we'll "put on the dog" for you. debbie
posted by Debbie at 2:32 PM
A poem about 9-11:
One
As the soot and dirt and ash rained down,
We became one color.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building,
We became one class.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope,
We became one generation.
As the firefighters and police officers fought their way into the inferno,
We became one gender.
As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength,
We became one faith.
As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement,
We spoke one language.
As we gave our blood in lines a mile long,
We became one body.
As we mourned together the great loss,
We became one family.
As we cried tears of grief and loss,
We became one soul.
As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes,
We become one people.
We are
One color
One class
One generation
One gender
One faith
One language
One body
One family
One soul
One people
author unknown
posted by Debbie at 2:31 PM
You have been a good husband to me and a good father to our kids. I tell people how incredibly intelligent, creative and hard-working you are. Thanks for everything, especially believing in me when I didn't always believe in myself. I am better person because of you. I love you, Deb
posted by Debbie at 2:31 PM
If you are starting to put a package together for Chris, here are two thoughts: Quality over quantity and think camping. They are moving around a lot so whatever he gets he has to pack/carry. I am sending a lot of spices and dried foods, like hummus mix, black bean and pinto bean flakes, etc. Also Peeps...
If you have any questions on the best pogey bait, refer them to Chris's sister, Jenny:
bjjaffe@traverse.net
The acknowledged queen of pogey bait ;-)
posted by Debbie at 2:30 PM
Dad: I just finished the biggest scarf ever and we wanted to know if you wanted to have any goodies from the Africa or Indian store. Amanda
This is Zak, I really miss you, do you still have the thing thats powered by electricity and swings. I want to use it for my ATP project.
Amanda i think that I am hooked up for now as there is in an Indian influence here we can even go to the boingy store here in boingyland and they have bread which costs 40 cents the, bread is called boingybread. Zak I don't know what you mean by the electric swing you need to be more descriptive of what it looks like and how big it is. When you guys ask a question or are
describing something please be explicit and describe it the way that you guys do when you talk at the table about the movies or pokemon. DAD
The kids are looking for the thing you made on Easter with batteries and a piece of wood and two electrodes that produces electricity. I want Zak to build his rocket but he wants to weenie out and do an easy project. D.
posted by Debbie at 2:28 PM
pin ping ping I am here at 730 in the morning on tuesday??weds?? Amanda you have to do our homework and do it on time think like this-how would you like it if mom didn't have the dinner on the table when you are hungry. There are many things that I don't like to do but things have to be done when people say they are going to do them. If that didn't happen then nothing would get done. Its funny to watch the morning news and then see the AFN news and get the weather here in Boingy land. We had some cheerleaders here and they could not get their flight out what a gas. We are just working getting some people out and others in and trying to settle in as we may have to move yet again it is just going with the flow. I hope you all well and will check back around in about 6-8 hours Chris
Sweetheart: I was in the midst of morning routine with Amanda and didn't hear the e-mail ring-a-dingy (remember Geraldine from Laugh-In? ;-) Building inspector is coming at 9, meeting at 10. Here later.
I am worried that you are not getting enough sleep. Try to be like Brian and get a little catnap here and there whenever you can. Just a few minutes will refresh you. I know it is crazy on your side of the world... XOXOXO, D.
posted by Debbie at 2:26 PM
Deb, To package liquids I usually tape the lids then pack it in either saran wrap or ziplock bags. The good thing about the ziplocks is that I can then pack the cobra eggs for the trip home. The weather has been real variable like wet snow in the morning to wearing a tshirt in the afternoon. Time seems to go by real slow as there are no days off it just seems that some days one has a little more time off. I am going to have to write down what I need/want because when I sit down and type half asleep I usually thing of what I want after I don't type it the next morning. The last thing that I figured that I needed was some pickled ginger. The stars are really bright and I normally see a few shooting stars on the trip at night. best of all to everyone/ Love Chris
I delegated ginger to your mom as she probably has some on the shelf. I am forwarding a couple of great pictures, one of Ithaca, in that landscape/wide frame format. Also aloe vera gel, lip gloss; do you need sunscreen? Gotta get ready for board meeting, kids have tae kwon do and book club for Amanda; she didn't finish her book. Write her a note and tell her how important it is to be responsible for this stuff. ;-) D.
posted by Debbie at 2:23 PM
I am sending girl scout cookies, peppercorns and a grinder, cheese powder, nutritional yeast and a jar of those smoked almonds. I thought about jiffy pop but wasn't sure if you were allowed to watch ranger tv. Send pogey bait requests to me and I will put it in the network; also will ask your sister to advise all as to best types/sources of PB. David will be here Tues. night 5-7 p.m. local time so some time between 3-5 a.m. your time. Gotta go to sleep; long weekend with much activity, political/social, may spin in the a.m. Love you too. D.
Tell Chris a box is on the way...am scoping out some good stuff. Maybe the cobras will like jerky if it's homemade instead of U.S. Army Rangers! They wrote up the little cobras in the paper last Thursday, they love shoes so tell him to shake them out when he puts them on! Mom
Deb: Yeah get some of those marshmallow chicks and they should be real stale by the time that they get here nice and chewy just like beef jerky. We do have a px and pogey bait but I will probably be requesting stuff that I can't get here lots of love to all/
posted by Debbie at 2:22 PM
I have been having some quality dreams about you. It is good to have dreams. How are the monkeys doing?? And how are you holding up?? Just keep your anger in check and don't let those monkeys get over just ground them or keep them in their rooms. I am
getting the hairy eyeball so I will log off love you all CHRIS
The kids are behaving pretty well in general but their rooms are a mess. I will get them on it tonight. Attempting to establish something of a routine and getting them more focused on reading and academics. We shall see how successful I am. XOXOXO, D.
posted by Debbie at 2:18 PM
dad it's me amanda, I love and miss u a lot. We made your copper crow into a light pull so mom won't fall off of chairs anymore he he he
I went to goldstar with poppa last night; do u want to go to gold star with me when you get back? Zak
There is more copper down by the furnace in the basement first plan your work before you guys cut any copper then look in a box that says sheet metal tools which should be under the bench with the big red vice than cut out what you want. Last but most important wash your hands as the copper that has lot of patina has verdi gris which should not be ingested. To keep the crow green
there is some clear spray lacquer in the basement in the room in the back on the shelf to the right on the inside of the door to the right of the window spray the bird about three times letting it dry between coats clean the tip by turning the can upside down and
blowing out all the lacqer and getting only propellant. I miss all of you guys and remember all the stuff that you do for me. You need to save all these e-mails and put them in a file and then archive them. It is great living in a tent, it is like a living thing as it seems to breath in the blowing wind and creaks and makes different noises all night long. I don't sleep all that well, different things like the
aircraft landing wake me up. I try to get on line at 4-5 in the morning so I can get to you guys. Funny we get the local news 2-3 days before you do but I can't talk about anything as one does not want to miss anything. I love you Deb and I am waiting for the next
full moon.
posted by Debbie at 2:16 PM
Reply now for your free gift...a conversation in real time with your lover who is missing you ;-)
Now that you are gone, I realize all the things you did, large and small, that helped make the days smoother or better in some small way. I took the copper bird you made and made it into a light pull and thought, now I won't be dislocating my shoulder turning off the fan this summer...
Four packages in the mail today. Mom said she sent one too. Is it still gonna be once-a-month delivery or do you think that they will speed it up somewhat? I would hate for you to have to wait 6 or 8 weeks to get a package...
Almost 70 this a.m., then a cold front blew in and it's going to be 25 tonight. There is a whipping wind out there.
Mary and I went and saw Dracula at the ballet. Very erotic, lots of same sex pas de deux ;-) D.
PS - Mom sewed the patches on but unfortunately, she put the Ranger and Airborne tabs on the front over the pocket where the nameplate should go. Oh, well, her intentions were good...
Dad - How is it? Do you still have some pogey bait? And can I have your wingman rumble pad until you get back? Zak
posted by Debbie at 1:42 PM
I was escorting a bunch of locals around and as it gets warmer they said that the cobras will be coming out yahoo. This place is nothing but a circus whoops. I am not downloadingto my laptop but using a local machine. It is a nt machine so I can't use ICQ
someday the army will have ICQ on line. I am usually up or not occupied around 16:00-20:00 cinti time. I would hope for Amandas grades to come up mainly in math as it will get harder to fix as time goes on. Best of love to you, thinking of you guys. If you ever are getting through the photos and find some good pics with whole heads and are pretty current send them ie a few not a book. When I send the film home to be developed do not scan any and send them to anyone unless I tell you it is ok, as OPSEC is a big thing here hope to catch you online one of these nights. Lotsa love-Chrisxx000
posted by Debbie at 1:03 PM
After my last post, it was another month of "da plane, boss, da plane" action - they were leaving, they were not. Finally, the word came. The C-17 was arriving on March 2nd. We went down on Thursday evening and spent Friday in Clarksville, TN. Saturday, we got up at 5 so he could report at 7. Then the plane was delayed. We had breakfast and went to the store to get Zak a set of kid cammies. We kissed him goodbye and drove to Mammoth Caves. The kids have never been there. I kept thinking how it would've been great for Chris to be with us. We got home late that night.
He called from Germany on Monday. They were leaving. Within a couple of days, I got this post:
We are here in Boingyland. Yesterday was a nice day I woke up about 3:45 and knew that I could not get back to sleep, so I shaved and then decided to get up and get online as these terminals are jammed up during the day. Yesterday was a nice day then it was a light dusting of snow in my shower shoes. It is like Cinti weather. Opsec is real tight so no word of where we are except to say that it is not all that bad. Food is not bad and the portions are decent. You know me I am not bitching at all. Things will occur a day at a time
and the months will melt like the snow on the mountains. I would send some seeds as it seems that we will be here for awhile. I would like onion seeds as I do not think that onion sets would make it in the mail. I would just get a smattering of vegetable seeds
and some flowers. You can ask Mary but crysanthyums I believe help keep the critters away. I hope that my children are helping on the missions at the house and are not driving you crazy. We all have to work together here and have a sense of humor and it makes
the time go faster as well as make life more enjoyable. Amanda if you are having any problems with math get some help after school instead of going to murray brothers, Zak try not to be a goof and you can be an honor student, and last to my lovely wife. In Germany the boys were heading off to houses of ill repute and offered me to come along.I was told how beautiful the woman were but they don't hold a candle to you, I decided to rack out and not even get involved in any of it. Day is breaking and it will be time to get rolling, Lots of love to everyone and I hope everything goes forward with the house and your education. Love Chris XXXXOOOOO
|
|
