Devil Went Down to Ga

The devil went down to Georgia and now Ga has come to the devil. Well, this place might as well be. Anyway, that was the song that Charlie Daniels Band ended the show with tonight. Heck of a cap to a long tour, seeing Charlie Daniels play outside. We sat in plastic chairs, fold out chairs, etc. He said this was the most sober audience he had every played for; like we had a choice. ~laugh~ Anyway, tonight was AWESOME! He even sang the hymn "How Great Thou Art". It just won't be same the next time I hear it in church. The man is looking old; think he's in his 70's now. He told us he sent a letter to Sen. Ted Kennedy, inviting him to come over here with him. Of course, that letter has gone without reply.

I am now 16 days from leaving this country and about 18 days from touching US/Georiga soil again. Man, it's gonna' be great to be home again. My demobilization process should take around 6 days. Looking into either Warner Robins PD or Ga State Patrol when I get back. With any luck, I'll be demob'd in time to take the State patrol test and won't have to wait 2 more weeks. Their website says that the tests are to build a wait list, not to fill vacancies, so I may initially end up with the Macon FD until then, as originally planned. However, it is rumored that Gov. Perdue, our governor, has said if you're with the 48th brigade he will get ya a job. Will maybe have to cash in on that.

Happy Birthday, Cory! Big 16. Time for a driver's license. Sorry, Rated R movies aren't until next year.

We've been doing the same ol: going to different villages in the area, inspecting water tank projects, road improvement projects, school building and rebuilding and the occasional school supply drop to students. These of course, are followed by lunch at one of the many sheikhs' homes. I think I posted before lunch is usually a platter of rice topped with a little lamb meat on top. Our boss and whoever the senior sheikh is that day get a lamb's head on theirs, cooked of course. 2 weeks ago, I ate some "soup" that I hadn't eaten before and paid dearly 2 days later. I must've thrown up at least 20 times that day and ended up taking 2 bags of I.V. fluid in the arm to rehydrate. They gave me some antibiotics and I was fine a couple days later.

Our replacements from Minnesota are here. We've taken them out a few times, but haven't officially started training their drivers and gunners yet. I'll be glad when all that's done. We sign over our humvees and the machine guns that we mount on top to them on Tuesday, then vehicle maintenance is one less headache we have to deal with.

Michelle and the kids are doing well. Mandi is kicking butt in gymnastics and Cortlyn is playing her first season of softball. She's getting hits, but having a hard time getting to first base before the ball. She's having fun and that's what counts. They have a long season, all the way into late next month, so I should be able to make a few practices and games, depending on the job situation. Michelle's looking into doing some secretarial work for the county board of education this summer and possibly working as a parapro in the fall, when school starts up again. She's checking with the college she attended to see if she's got enough credits. Ash is doing better in school. Michelle says he'll be able to look me in the eye when I get home. I'm glad he's got her height genes. His former cubmaster invited me out for a steak and a beer when I get home to discuss getting him into Boy Scouts. His former den leader left after they crossed over and he got overlooked during the transfer of leadership. He's looking forward to getting back into scouting.

Well, it's late and I've rambled long enough. Everyone take care.

Chris

Ed's test

We're back home now. The doctor said that everything looked fine and Ed does not have to have another one for 3 years. Needless to say we are elated and thankful for God's blessings. Thanks for everyone's prayers.

Birthday plans

Margaret: You don't have to bring other than yourself and Emma's books (laminate samples)

Hannah: Will Jason be coming? Just call me.

Christie, What do you want me to bring on Saturday? Aunt Margaret

Replies

Margaret, Are you talking about books or movies? Clay has neither movie but he does have the "Thomas comes for breakfast" book. I know you are counting the days for Chris. I think of him often. I also think of you & Michelle, well all of his close family. In some ways, it's just not fair.

Christie, I do plan to attend Saturday! Let me know if I can bring anything.

Hope everyone is doing ok.

We are doing great. Amber has started her softball season!! She is doing great! She husstles and has learned to put her weight behind the bat when hitting! I am glad that she enjoys it just as much as I do.

Love Yall Lots!

Christie, I plan to come on Saturday. I have a hair appointment, and I should get out around 4:15-4:30 and I'll leave then. Gene will not be with me. I'll probably spend the night down there and meet Gene on Sunday to go to church with his father.
I have bought beautiful flowers to put on Mother's grave and I'll do that while I'm there.

Hannah, I don't think that I have your email address, but have a question. Does Clay have "Thomas & the Really Brave Engines and other Adventures" or "Thomas Comes to Breakfast & other Thomas adventures"?

Joyce, Hope things go well with Ed on Thursday.

Chris has approximately 24-25 more days before going to Kuwait to start back home. I'm counting them down.
Margaret

Hope everything goes well on Thursday. We'll miss you!

Family

My mother says we all talk too much these days. When my mother was a girl no one ever talked about anything and everything was fine.

Mabel Maney, from "Secret Family Recipes," in "Cookin' with
Honey," edited by Amy Scholder

Does this seem like anyone we know?

Ed is having a colonoscopy Thursday (his first) so don't think that we can make any plans for the weekend as I'm sure he'll need to rest. Hope that the party is a big success.

Whoever is interested

I'm having a cookout for Corey this Saturday, 04/15 for his 16th birthday. We plan on eating around 5:30-6:00. If anybody would like to come, please do. The menu will be simple.....hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, salad. CHEESECAKE for the birthday cake b/c that's his favorite, but I'll probably make a regular cake as well. Let me know so I'll have a head count. Hope everybody has a great week!!!!