A Sobering Experience

Okay, sorry I haven't written lately. Okay, about last weekend. We actually didn't get to fly to Yankton, which was a bummer. I didn't even know until I showed up for drill in uniform and everyone else was dressed in "Civies" (civilian clothes for the long drive.) Anyway, drill went well, though we had to stay in a dive of a motel in Vermillion, 26 miles away, because all the good hotels had been booked up due to River Boat Days Celebrations going on in Yankton. Some of the group went to a concert Saturday night, and the other half of us stayed and drank a little and played putt putt (mini-golf). We still had fun.
It was a significant experience, however. On Saturday we met a soldier who had returned from Iraq 2 years ago, expected to die, and is currently going through an amazing recovery. His convoy was hit by an IED and he was sent forward to assist, because he had civilian paramedic skills, when he was hit by the second IED explosion. He was flown to the U.S., his wife was flown down to be with him for his last days, and that's when they realized he had some neurological activity in his brain. Thus began his slow recovery. He is blind, his skull is slightly deformed on one side of his head, and we were amazed to see him walk, not be wheeled, into the armory in full military uniform. He is an inspiration, and his wife is an absolutely amazing woman! It was a very lasting experiencing just to meet someone of that caliber, and very sobering. I thanked him and his wife for their service and sacrifices made. They have two young children. I was very happy to return home to mine!

Flying Away

I'm leaving first thing in the morning for a three day Guard Drill. They are flying us to Yankton on Black Hawks for drill this month, so that should be fun and exciting! It's certainly not something I get to do everyday. Our unit is a medical unit. We are Doctors, nurses, admin. personel, supply people, medics (that's me), etc. I usually get put to work on blood draws, shot station, or height/weight. I work with some really great people, so that is good. Anyway, I am looking forward to sharing news that is a little more exciting than usual with you all when I get back home.

I can't believe school starts next week! I haven't even taken the girls school shopping yet. Am I a bad mom, or what! We're going up on Tuesday... Ho Hum... In my opinion, there is just no way in the world school should start before Labor Day? Is anybody else with me on this, or am I just trying to get out of it? Speaking of which, I should probably go school shopping for myself, since I am registered for a full load. Now that I think about it, it sounds pretty exciting! I can't wait! Any good excuse to go shopping.

Ps. The Gypsy Rose is still patiently awaiting repairs. We have parts ordered, so that is a start at least. Thanks for your input on her name! I think it fits perfectly!

Gypsy or Ruby Rose?

This last weekend was great, but frustrating. We took out the boat, or attempted to, since it didn't run. Typical, too, since it's run three times out of the six we've had it in the water. Bummer. Back to Pierre for another stab at repairs. I just know it's gonna be great once we get her going! We're naming her Gypsy Rose, or Ruby Rose, due in part to the color - pinkish purplish) Which do you like better? I think Gypsy, since she's a bit unpredictable... Anyway, our friend was there with his boat, too, and we jumped on board with him, again! Sort of a repeat of last weekend. What a nice guy! And we had a great time tubing, and skiing. Even the girls learned to ski for their first time! Yay!
Barry and I also started biking. Well, actually we just started this morning, so I'm not a hundred percent sure how long we'll stick with it, but I sure hope we do. Good workout, and I'm looking forward to the next.

On The Road Again

Kianna and I just got back today from a three day road trip to the Vermillion and Sioux Falls area. We went to say goodbye to my baby sis, Janell, and to help her pack for her big move to El Paso, TX! She is closing the gap bt her boy, Oliver, after a long couple of years of long distance love. They met in SD 4 years ago, but his job has had him on the road these past couple of years. I am really happy for them, even though I am going to miss her lots!
Then we spent the next night with my sweet sister-in-law Lynn, and did some necessary shopping in Sioux Falls. Spent too much money...
Now that we are home, I just want to put my feet up and relax; it seems like I am always going somewhere. But I look around and there is so much to do, plus I'm feeling the need to exercise after all that fast food! - I've been a bad girl! ;)

It's Raining!

It's raining here today! Woo Hoo! We are long overdue! And wouldn't ya know. It waited for the day we had to haul signs. It always does!
We have company right now. My sister-in-law, Lynn, is here visiting after moving away a short while ago. It's good to see her again. Fun, fun!
Other than that, I haven't been around the house much lately. Barry has had me in the sign shop, a hot, sweaty mess of a place, for the last few days working my tail off.
Gotta run! My mother-in-law is here, and there are more relatives coming. I have a niece in a talent show here in town tonight. I couldn't talk my girls into doing it, but they are providing entertainment for the Nursing Home today, so that's a good start.