Some days just end well. I got some good news today, figured out some news today, did some good work today, the Steelers has a good draft so far, and I was invited to the Orthodox Easter celebration. Who knows what tomorrow brings, so I’ll enjoy it while it lasts. Romanians, Greeks, Macedonians, and Bulgarians observe this Easter, which by the way coincides better with Passover than our traditional Easter. The Romanian Colonel who I eat breakfast with every morning is the senior man in the lot and he invited me. Outstanding BBQ chicken, pork, and steak marked the occasion along with beer and wine. How could one go wrong?
On Friday we celebrated ANZAC Day. ANZAC stands for Australia New Zealand Army Corps. The day likens to our Veteran’s Day. I attended the BBQ that all were invited to for lunch. There were a couple games to be played and a good time was had by all. I sampled Emu and Kangaroo jerky, adding to the long list of meats I’ve eaten that will shorten my lifespan. There was a sunrise wreath-laying ceremony at approximately 0430 followed by breakfast. I seemed to have missed that one. One interesting note is the day coincides with the Battle at Gallipoli. If you remember the movie, the Australians were crushed by the Turks. The Aussies won the war, but the battle…not so much. Of course the Turks were there too, which seemed strange, but we are all on the same team now, so what the hay.
Sometimes I feel a bit guilty celebrating holidays when we have comrades, to the south especially, who are under constant fire. Having no days off, these short excursions though, usually lasting an hour or two, renew our energy and give us something to look forward to. Even in WWII or was it I, there was that famous Christmas where opposing forces met that night in friendship before going to battle with each other the next morning. Sean? Everyone needs a break.
You may have heard some things on the news about our area today. No worries, no problems, we are all fine. After all, we had to have the Easter celebration today.
One other note, today marks week 37 for Stacey. That means the baby has reached full-term by definition. I for one am quite relieved.
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8 comments:
Ithan,
I too celebrated ANZAC Day on Friday, though not in the way the Aussies or Kiwis would have...the Christmas Truce(1914)reference is WWI. Shame of it was, the troops were ordered back to fighting at the point of a gun on Dec 26th. It was not repeated Christmas 1915.
Saw a trivia question I'd never seen nor had a clue about yesterday, despite my years of wasting in front of the TV: What was the Skipper's real name?
Yes we did hear (read) about the bit of excitement you had in Kabul today. I read that the Taliban sent six assassins in and they admitted three were killed. I also read that three prisoners were taken so if true your trainees acquited themselves well. The best news is that you are OK and so are your friends.
You are really getting an education.Orthodox Easter celebration with the people that celebrate it. You should remember "The Deerslayer". The wedding in Pennsylvania was Greek/Russian Orthodox as were many of the coal miners and steel workers who settled western PA. GO Steelers!
Don't feel sorry for youself that you are not constanly under fire. Feel lucky! Everyone does their job and some are luckier than others but all are respected because they are there!
Good to hear everything is going well in Afganistan. Stacey and Aaron were here for Stacey's shower - a shower of cute presents for newborns. We could open a store with what's stored upstairs. Aaron has been increasingly expressive verbally. He is repeating more complex words and stringing together pairs of words as well. Stacey is relieved to not have to go to work tomorrow AM, although her anticipated day off may not materialize as she had hoped - Aaron ended up not feeling well this afternoon. We're all getting excited as we get closer to the anticipated delivery. Stacey is looking well.
Robert
It sounds like you are keeping very busy and I'm sure the occasional celebrations are a great distraction.
I was actually looking to rent the movie "Gallipoli" this weekend,as I thought it was one war movie Drew HASN'T seen, and would enjoy. I remember it as a good movie, but that might just be due to the presence of a very hot young actor named Mel Gibson in one of the lead roles!
It was WW I when the Germans and the British ceased fire and shared stories food and soccer for Christmas. My visit to Ypres a few years ago made a lasting impression on me, and I am interested in all things WW I.
Stay well.
Kathy
I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know the battle and could barely remember the war, although not as embarrassed as Sean must be for not remembering Jonas Grumby. Roy Hinkley was the Professor. Those things I remember. And the movie my father is talking about of course is The Deer Hunter. In the wedding, John Cazales punches out his girlfriend for dancing with the band leader. Good Pittsburgh stuff. I can’t comment on details from the action on Sunday, but suffice it to say the news will spin what they need to and don’t trust the numbers you hear.
Sorry I goofed. After I sent the comment I reread it and realized it was The Deer Hunter. The Deer Slayer is a book--- I think--- about old time Lake George history.I'll try to do better! An old adage from my USMC days is "Don't believe anything you hear (read) and only half of what you see!" I'll try to remember that too!
It's very scary to hear that you know the Skipper's and Professor's real names. I'm embarrased that I DO know that the Skipper was Alan Hale, Jr. and that the Professor was Russell somebody. Of course, I can't remember where I left my car keys...
For purposes of clarification, I need to be more precise: not the Skipper's real name, the Skipper's character's proper name, e.g. Joe Smith, etc. Believe it or not, his character actually had one...not terribly important in the grand scheme, I know, but simply a pleasant diversion.
Ithan,the Exec. Bd. took Dan out last night for a formal good bye...good time had, though Dan made it clear that he had some specific rules regarding the fact that we're roommates in DC for the NEA Convention in July. Suffice to say as low man on the totem pole...
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