Good Times

Though some times were a little hazy, the wedding was a bitchin time. The only thing that could of made it better was if a few of the people who couldn't attend would have been there. The tight wad even loosened up the wallet to by the booze for the first three hours. Not sure if that was a good or a bad thing. All the same, it was great to spend time with Jamie Ray and Jerry. Sorry about the video once again. What better way to introduce one's self? Congratulations Tim and Kim and thanks for the great time.

Minnesota this weekend

Heading to Minnesota this weekend for the ole Tim Leisenheimer wedding. Never thought I would see the day. Other than that, still being a lazy bum not working, just enjoying the time with the family and hunting. Just shot a 4 pointer two weeks ago. 92 LBS dressed, how pathetic. It is average they tell me for these CA Blacktail. Oh, how I miss the Whitetail from MN. Now it is time to focus on pig hunting. Can't wait. Hope it isn't as Gamy as the venison. Hope all are well.

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Been busy with getting the family back together. Lindsay and I just returned from the EODMG 2007 Rally in the Rockies. It was a bitchin time drinking and riding through the mountains. The altitude plays hell on the ole tolerance. I hope this finds everyone well.

Cold

It has been getting quite cold which is a good thing because with the drop of temperature has also come a drop in insurgent/terrorist activity. I guess they don't like the cold. The other night a few areas around me even had snow. We just got blessed with a really cold rain. They assure me that we will be getting snow eventually around here. Who would of thought snow in Iraq. Oh well. I hope everyone is safe and has a wonderful and happy holidays. I am happy to hear that Lindsay is going home to cali before she leaves for Iraq and will be able to see Seth from tomorrow until Christmas. Take care to all my brothers in arms reading this.

Bad Week

0
Not that any week in in this worthless country is a good week, but this one was particularly bad yet fortunate at the same time. But it has shown me that God has been watching over me. For starters on Monday I was supposed to be on this CH-53 helicopter doing some training for what was going to be an upcoming raid. It was due to some preparations that I was not on this bird. I got these pictures when we were called out to take care of an IED not far from the scene. Otherwise I would have never known the severity of the crash.
Last night then proved to be a very long one. We started by responding to a call about a UXO (unexploded ordnance) call out in one of the nearby communities. These are usually easy but as I walked up on it I saw there were wires and det cord. I had walked right up on an IED. I pulled back to my safe area with my security when my team leader went down foolishly to take care of it manually. This is how people get killed. Luckily I am smart enough to watch out for myself as my boss is willing to take stupid risks. While by my vehicle we started taking fire from insurgents with AK47's. We didn't take any casualties and departed the scene to return to base. While in route back, I triggered an IED in the middle of the road with my Cougar vehicle. We blew the front tires, lights and drivers mirror. The only injuries though were to my left ear with some ringing and crackling. Minor compared to the damage and injuries had our security humvees struck the device. This is just a not so subtle reminder that my folks and others are praying for me and all of my brothers and sisters in arms over here. My hearing is almost back to 100%. My purpose is not to scare those of you reading this, but to show that the thoughts and prayers do make a difference. I hope all of you back home are doing well and I am sure that my future posts will be more positive.

Internet Down

The internet has been down out here for the last two weeks. In that time we had a pretty decent Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings. Did quite a few calls and went out for a little shooting from time to time. It is starting to get quite cold out here, so much that they are talking of the possibility of snow this winter.

Lindsay left for combat training today to go straight from there to Iraq. This meant that Seth went with my folks up to Minnesota. It should be a drastic weather change leaving central Cali to go to the frozen iron range. I hope this finds you all well

Diesel

OH THE BUDWEISER

Today was relatively uneventful with the exception of having my two ice cold Budweisers. They were delicious. The everclear that followed it wasn't too bad either. EOD techs need to be resourceful. A busy day for the Navy team today but it still went by fast for us on our day off. Maybe tomorrow we'll finish the construction of our hallway but I won't hold my breath. I am glad I got this internet connection though.