Atlanta, GA. Finally got the orders squared away. The Navy/Marine Corps Team begrudgingly agreed to let me report at 1030AM on Monday morning (allows for first flight to West Palm), with the plan on being on an afternoon flight to Camp Lejeune. The Marines in particular acted as though they were granting a State Favor […]

Atlanta, GA. Spent the day in hurried purchase of all the gear that I figured I would need. The Marines were no roadmap, so I had to sort of guess: GPS, sea bags, more green tshirts and socks, backpack, Leatherman, batteries, blank CDs, flashlights. And, of course, the X Box. Pack pack pack pack pack. […]

Atlanta, GA. I have never been much on trying to something special before The Big Day. It only seems to highlight the impending moment that much more. My Beautiful Bride and I spend the day, as much, as we could, as Any Other Day. Nice cup of coffee, and just sort of knocking around enjoying […]

Atlanta, GA. Got up early, and my Beautiful Bride dropped me off at Marta. Neither of us are big on long goodbyes. MASSIVE line through security. The line went from the metal detectors, through the maze, back up through the atrium in ATL, the wrapped around past the baggage claim to the Delta desks. I […]

Camp Lejeune, NC. And the Navy mobilization machinery springs to life! Formation went at 0730, as advertised. I handed my admin package to the mustering petty officer who directed all of us to the classroom to wait. And wait we did. After a couple of hours, I began pestering the admin types to see if […]

Camp Lejeune, NC. So many boxes to get checked, and so little availability of box checkers. New ID, will, power of attorney. And what about gear? The plan has been changed all ready. Instead of meeting the Marines in Yuma, I am to travel to NAS Fallon, NV, home of the Naval Strike and Air […]

Camp Lejeune, NC. I have heard of the Calista effect, a theory that asserts that while evolution itself is a slow process, the actual changes occur quite fast. The military works this way. Nothing will happen for a long time, then suddenly there is a boatload of stuff to do. Petty Officer Morales got my […]

The Inner Marker Ranch Kendalia, TX. The Ranch is something beautiful and special to me. I love the way the earth and the air smell. I love the view of the valley. I love hearing the cows low. And sitting on the front porch looking down the driveway never, ever, ever gets old. Spent the […]

The Inner Marker Ranch Kendalia, TX. Nice slow morning. Walked all over the ranch, spending a special amount of time where our house is going to be, and where my Beautiful Bride said I can build my lab/workshop.Got word this morning that Jarret Sonnen had been shipped out.

Fallon, NV. Left on the early flight from San Antonio, and flew via Dallas to Reno. It broke my heart to see the old ASA gates and spaces in DFW, now abandoned. I loved flying out there, and it was sad to see all those old familiar features now falling into disrepair. Got a rental […]