Updates from abroad...

9-5-08
I received pictures of our new refrigerator and it looks great. I hope that Melisa didn't have to use a hacksaw on any of our countertops to fit it in. In case you don't know what I am referring to some of you may remember that Melisa received a refrigerator at our Maryland home that had a slightly larger depth than the one she ordered. In her haste to have a new refrigerator (she hated the old one that was still functional), instead of telling them to take it back and get her the one with the correct measurements, she proceeded to use a hacksaw to cut off a lip of wood on the windowsill to the kitchen that was in the way. So, you can imagine my curiosity regarding the recent delivery of another refrigerator to our home when I am away. I'm sure our countertops are intact, but I just hope I can say the same for my wife's sanity by the time I return. Miss you too much already.

It's cold in Alaska with the temperature in the 40s in the a.m. and peaking in the 60s during the day. I think the high is supposed to be in the 50s this weekend. The leaves are already starting to change colors and it is quite beautiful. Again, it reminds me a lot of Michigan, but with lots of mountains in the area. One of the family medicine docs here had a barbecue at his house out in the woods last night and invited all of the medical providers over. Some brought their children and one of the PAs (physician assistants) had a 2 month old daughter. I know I am not all that helpful with new babies (Melisa recently stated that I am good for letting them fall asleep on my chest and change a diaper or two), but seeing her made me think of how much I do miss seeing Melisa with them. I will miss those first few months when she is a new mother again. I miss the kids a lot already and every time I see one near their age think of them. Anyways, salmon, hot dogs, hamburgers, and even shark was on the menu. One of the PAs caught the shark on a recent fishing trip. It took 5 guys taking turns fighting the shark to finally get him in the boat. Mosquitoes are still out here. Everything is not only tougher in Alaska (pardon the reference to the show on TV), but it is also more expensive. I paid $10.25 for a haircut on post (<$9 in Georgia) and $6 for a 12pack of Diet Coke.

9-6-08
It is quite an experience waking up at 9:00a.m., turning on the tv, and seeing that college football has already started its day without me. The layout of the hotel room is very adequate given that I can sit on the toilet and still have an unobstructed view of the University of Michigan Wolverines. Their new freshmen RB #2 is quite effective and should be exciting to watch this year. Sorry Krista and Doug for your Mountaineers’ performance. I know how you feel given Michigan’s lost last week to Utah. Accommodations now are great, but I anticipate a stay in circus size tents with about 100 or so other soldiers in my not too distant future. Last night for dinner was pizza and beer night. Alaska Amber is palatable and goes nicely with an Anthony’s pizza (found on almost every army post, it is no Pizza Patch) and a side of boredom. Today, however, I will be going to see a movie with some of the other providers which will be nice to get out of this hotel room.
I wanted to mention my thanks to NWA for bumping me to first class for my 5 hour flight from Minnesota to Alaska. I had to fly U.S. Airways from Augusta to Charlotte to Minneapolis and then boarded an NWA flight to Alaska. I had very short layovers at all stops and had aisle seats arranged on all my U.S. Airways flights, but they couldn’t change my NWA seat assignment. Upon my arrival to the home of the ongoing Republican National Convention I checked in with the gate agent asking if I could change to an aisle seat and she already had a first class ticket waiting for me. I was not traveling in uniform, and in my excitement failed to ask why I was bestowed this privilege. Maybe in the computer they saw that I was traveling on a government ticket, or maybe NWA saw my meager accumulation of frequent flyer miles and wanted to get me to fly more. I haven’t quite figured out what the cost of legroom is, but it sure is nice to have on a 5 hour flight. The pre-takoff drink of diet coke, complimentary chicken dinner, beers, coffee, etc. were also all very nice. It certainly would be nice to travel like that all the time.
9-7-08
The day did not start without me as I was sure to wake up at 0830 Alaska time to see the start of the NASCAR race at 0900, as well as the start of the NFL games. Turn left Jeff Gordon, turn left. It was a nice day as the #24 Dupont Chevrolet Impala was able to finish 8th and qualify for the chase, which is equivalent to the NASCAR playoffs. Wes’ driver, Jimmie Johnson, won for the 2nd week in a row. I’m looking forward already to my return and plan on attending several NASCAR races that year. Anyone interested please check your schedule and let me know. On the list of possibilities would be Daytona 500 (likely will not be able to get tickets, but would try), Atlanta (spring), Talladega, Darlington, Martinsville, and Bristol (August race).
I got to speak with the kids on the phone today and Gordon had quite a bit to say, although I do need a translator when I can’t see what he is either holding or pointing to. Donna was disappointed to find out that there are no penguins at the hotel where I am at. Wes was excited to learn the results of the race and when asked what he was doing he said, “I was watching TV until mom turned it off.” They were getting ready to go to the pool which I’m sure they all enjoyed in the 95 degree Georgia weather. It is quite a bit colder here, but that didn’t stop me from going for a 3 mile run. During the run in the relative cold of Alaska, however, I experienced Gordy Bud upper respiratory infection equivalent nasal discharge. Again, it is tougher in Alaska.