Seasons Change...

There's really little indication of the changing seasons over here. Other than the daily high temps pretty much every day is the same as the other. Lately there has been some indications of the changing seasons starting to creep into our routines.

For starters, I've been pricing kayaks in preparation for Spring. I sold my last kayak before deploying because of lack of storage space (leaving it in my kitchen just didn't seem like an appealing idea). The last month or so I've been not only looking at a replacement kayak, but considering buying a different type. This has lead to lots of research online to help make sure I buy one that will fit my needs (and some wants). I also gave in (finally) to looking at Jeep parts. Some I actually need to buy (O2 sensor, front fender, tires) and some are just for fun (fishing rod holders, arm rests, maybe a new top). I've also been looking/planning for weekend picnics, afternoons at the beaches on the various lakes in the area, and of course camping and fishing. No matter what the weather is like when we get home, I AM driving the TJ around topless for a while. The Army was gracious enough to issue me cold weather gear so I have no problem repeating when I was home on Leave.

Other signs that almost a year has passed is the talk of going home that is slowly making its way into our conversations on the road. Little by little, more and more, going home is starting to be a big topic on the road. Mainly guessing how many missions we have left, and trying to justify our individual guesses. However many it is, it will beat being in the Shire. I know I've said I don't mind being here, but lately it seems like the BS is growing around here. Not only that, but I've noticed since the bartender left my life there's a lot less stress being on the road. What-ever the reasons, I'd much rather be on the road than off it.

It also seems that more and more people back home have been inquiring as to when the unit will be returning. At this time I honestly do not know when that will be. I wish I did, for a lot of friends I wasn't able to see want to get together and hang out when we get back. A few are looking to take time from work to use saved up vacation, and one special gal has been waiting to have lunch together for almost a year. I've known her a long time, and it finally looks like the timing between us may finally be working in our favour. One of the best parts is she totally understands me wanting/needing some time for myself and taking things slow between us. I am definitely looking forward to lunch with her, my Jeep has never looked better than the times she was with me in it on the road.

Lastly (but not least) I've been looking forward to being with the kids. Don't want to rush into things and shake up their routine right away, but gradually easy into things would be nice. Guess I'll see how things look when I get home. Can't wait to take the kids trick-or-treating again. I sometimes wonder if they will even still be interested in going house to house, I hope they are as I miss it. I'm also starting to let myself get more hopeful about spending time with the kids for the holidays. Can't wait to bake cookies, cook a big meal, and enjoy being back in my home in Iowa.

This past mission we had the rare opportunity to drive during the daylight hours. It was a refreshing change to be able to actually see the landscape we were driving past. What little vegetation there is in the areas of Iraq we were driving through was the usually pale green for this time of year. The fields along the roadside we empty of their spring/summer waters and the piles of what we have been told were salt were growing in number. We even encountered a late summer camel heard passing along our route the one morning...it made for a nice photo opportunity.

From what we were told before we left Texas we only have a couple months left before we're back in Iowa. Hopefully that time will go as fast as all the months that are behind us.

Be safe

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