The cool table

I typically ask if I may sit at the cool table, as a gag of course. There is a group of folks here, folks outside my lane, pilots and such, who are friends to me. Midnight rations (mid rats) is the time when the cool table convenes. I think one of the points here is that I do not work with the cool table people. Speaking with them and laughing with them is the highpoint to my day. None of the political infighting baggage, just good people. One and all. I have spoken of some of them individually, such as the two Bills and Jay. Today Jay took off to go back home. Jay is a great story teller and a character, and the heart of the cool table. We shall muddle on without him.

GSE

My nutritionally savvy aunt sent me a package with some high quality toiletry items, dried fruit and a substance called GSE. Apparently this extract of grapefruit is a quaternary ammonium compound that can be used diluted as a mouthwash or a sterlizer.

Under Consideration: Recall to Extended Active Duty

I have been mulling over my job prospects when I return. One of these options is going Big Navy. What a concept: A sea tour, not only that, I would move to a new location. San Diego? Mayport ? Norfolk? Japan?

Monthiverssary

I am in the Monday Brunch of my tour. I am grateful for the wonderful Body Shop Vitamin E and other skin products sent to me by my mother. I have been a little under the weather lately, so I had no reservations devouring those cookies she packed. That enabled me to skip a meal and head straight for bed. I wondered if high dosages of sugar have an antibiotic affect.

"My wife doesn't understand me."

Some think Iraq is a wonderful place to start a romance. Married or not, supervisor or subordinate. What a mess. Some people find that regular deployments are a great way to avoid a less than optimal marriage. Even though certain situations do not meet the strict definition of fraternization, these do still has a negative impact on a command. Many adopt the attitude that the bad apples will rotate out soon enough.

A hug for Richard

Three cheers for my man, Richard. Richard has been so supportive of me out here. He is always there with one witty statement or another. I just plain like the guy. And one heck of a swing dancer.

Today Richard told me a story about how he acquired his new bicycle. He bartered two hours of labor for a mountain bike from someone who needed things moved from her garage. What a concept. I am glad he was able to hold on to his carbon credits.

Cooperative Extension

Meeting Tennessee Luke today was a real treat. He shared with me the beauty of the Cooperative Extension. Luke is a retired police officer with land that he has classified (via the Cooperative Extension) as agricultural land. By classifying his operation as a farm, he has worked out a tax savings strategy, and gets to have a small herd of cattle. "This is not a money maker, it's a money loser." I mentioned this to Alabama's own Master Sargeant McMunn, and he seemed on board with the concept: "Yeah, I've been thinking about doing that." Tennessee Luke mentioned that there is a market for goats given the influx of Middle Easterners in his parts.

Remember sparklers?

The Fourth of July has come and gone here. There were some rumors of beer. Very cruel rumors of beer. I may just have a near beer tonight to celebrate. Get out and enjoy the day!

Camel spiders and cobras

I was chatting with one of the Bills tonight, a fellow named Caveman, and another guy named Jay. Jay is deathly afraid of snakes, and proceeded with a littany of snake and rat stories that delighted the entire table. Listening to these stories, I found myself scratching my scalp and wiggling in my chair. Urban legends of camel spider bites to the spine and a long drawn out affair involving a moving refridgerator (caused by a rattle snake in Arizona), Jay certainly was a delight. Then Jay mentioned that a cobra was found "out there." He was referring to the place where I cycle. Thanks, Jay.