09/28/2002 Cruise

[papa]

Cathy hope that all went well with you today. Looking forward to seeing your picture in the conch newspaper

Mike

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Where does the time in my day go too? I have been running like crazy lately but I still feel like I am behind. Can't wait till both kids are in school and there are no interruptions. I am going to read through the last 15 -20 pages of posts here. I wanted to print them out and bring them with me this weekend, but my printer is running out of ink. Friday sounds like it will be my first calm day.



Good news!!! I got my docs!!!! Now I can stop haunting the Fedex website tracking the package. It showed no movement for a couple of days and I was worried.

 

[@GoofyNut]

At lunch I picked up tickets to our AAA baseball team playoff game.
Anybody Phillies fans ... they are their AAA affiliate. At least they are going somewhere as long as the Philliies don't call any of our guys up.

Mike ... Got some Pennsylvania Maple Syrup for those Mickey waffles.

Can't believe that it's only a little over 2 weeks before we get in the car for the drive down. What time do they open the Cruise Terminal for check-in.....am I anxious or what!

 

[power_alabama]

I'm baccccccccccck!!! Now I can sing that song "I've been to London, I've been to Spain.......". and the Amex card is smokin!!!!!! Have you ever seen a smooth credit card??? Plumb wore out the lettering on the front of the card!!!!

Our docs were here when I got home. I was so tired, but I read them anyway.

The flight to Germany was long, KC135 - web seating, heat on top, butt frozen!!!! I hung my hammock, much to the chagrin of 55 other people. They all had to sit in the web seating, lay on the floor or if they were lucky across the empty seating cause their seat mates stretched out on the floor. Slept like a baby in that hammock.

The training at the hospital was great.........look out folks I am really good at giving immunizations now. Still have trouble finding a vein to draw blood, but like I told the guy training me, "That's why I have 4N0's working for me." 4N0's are like LPN's in the Air Force. I am a 4F0X - Aerospace Medicine - get to take care of the fly boys.

London - What can I say! I have seen the "dress", the "jewels", and the "palace". Did some shopping at Harrods, a Disney Store (where I bought a UK Eeyore, and an Eeyore umbrella). Then we hit Covent Garden for shopping. I have been trained, tubed, and double-decker bused until I never want to see one of them again. Londoners tend to be rude to Americans, there's a story there for the cruise. Almost got to see the "bobbies" up close and personal. The trip to Althorp was great. My friend is really into the royal family, she bought a book about Diana's estate and the Earl of Spencer signed it for her. He just happened to be in residence that day. She's happy!!

Germany is still an interesting place to visit. Three of us found a Bendictine Abbey that is being restored. It was originally built in 1054 by Celtic princes. Lots of history. Lots of wine...........another story there.

Our unit did find out that we are going to Elmendorf AFB, AK next summer!!! That made my honey really happy. The CMSgt that I work with is really looking forward to fishing in Alaska. He is an avid bass fisherman here in Alabama and usually drools really bad when I show him pictures of Dennis and the fish of the day!!!

I will be home for awhile, at least til the cruise. Next guard trip is the "secret" trip that Dennis talked about. It is a classified mission that some of us go on every two years or so. Since there are Alabama bubba's in the unit......I wonder what their wives think of them going on this trip that they can't talk about????? We don't have time to fool around, too busy working for our country.

Welcome to all the newbies, looking forward to meeting everyone.

Mary - I want a hug too. My family is big on hugs, and Dennis learned to like them too. He wasn't to sure in the beginning, but pulled through the initial shock of being passed around and hugged by total strangers (my family - and they are strange!!)

Shirley - Sounds like Key West is going to be fun. I can hardly wait to meet you. Count us in for your planning.

Our family had some good news while I was in London. I have a sister that has lung cancer, which showed up in her body cavity, and in her brain. Well, she has been chemo'd til I thought it wasn't possible to be chemo'd anymore. The report was that she is cancer free for now. Praying does help, and her optimistic attitude pulled her through this rough spot in her life.

Well folks, 16 days til I see my honey. Already sorting and stacking the packing. Still unpacking from the Germany trip. Take care to all.

 

[rae519]

Hi Chrystina!

As a USAF veteran, I can appreciate your view on the KC135 - ohhh, if those who never flew one could only "feel" that webbing. You are pretty smart to take a hammock along. My DH was stationed at Lakenheath years ago. We found the same treatment in France as you did in England. I don't understand it at times but it's the way the world has been and we can only do our little part to make it better. Italy was wonderful though. Besides on the Hudson River in NY, it's the only other place I'd like to live permanently. I did a lot of TDY's to Germany and found it to be wonderful. Amazing what a smile and a few works in the native language can do - many a happy meal spent with native families who knew a smattering of English and me with my faithful dictionary/phrase book!

Ohhh, "secret mission", I was the only woman in a 40 man flight in my career field and had to work mostly night shift. Made for some interesting times!! I know you can relate!

My mouth is watering for some of that grilled salmon Dennis catches by the way. I know you both will really enjoy next summer's assignment!!

Anyway, WELCOME BACK and see you soon!

Rae

 

[rae519]

http://mach.usno.navy.mil/cgi-bin/aa_pap.pl

Sunset time for September 29, 2002 - Key West - 7:17PM

I'm just getting toooo excited about all this!



Rae

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hey everybody,
Well Norm is right here with me (another 4 generation conch) and he too is excited about seeing each of you - NOW TALK ABOUT real excitement - Norm was in the AF for 4 years also my granddaughter is leaving for Germany in 2 days - her husband is stationed there and she will be away from home for the first time in her life. He is in the army.
Anyhow looking forward to seeing everyone in KW and don't forget we will have KEY LIME PIES - THE REAL KIND.
Hugsssssss
Shirley and Norm

 

[@GoofyNut]

What are these symptoms of ... checking the calendar over and over; looking at packing lists over & over; memorizing who does what and their names; logging on to the DIS many, many, many times a day checking deck plans and documtnts, etc, etc, etc ..... well look out cause Art & I have it bad ... I'm sure you guys may also have symptoms!

Welcome back Chrystina ... glad you had a great time and got back across the pond in one piece. Sympathy for your credit cards ... maybe they can fed ex you new ones ....hehehe!

Now I must give up the puter for Art to check out the boards and get caught up.

 

[thesorcerer1]

Is it only me or is there a certain amount of tension in the air on the boards lately? Not a bad feeling though. I always get a little wired before big tests, presentations or even playing sports and I am getting that feeling here. Ain't it great! (sorry for the improper english). Welcome home Chrystina, and in light of the recent events in our country, thanks to all of you serving in the military right now. I know you are awaiting Dennis's arival home I hope you guys don't wear each other out before the cruise (wink wink nod nod). And if you do we will understand. Football starts for real (NFL) for us this weekend and I just can't get a read on our EAGLES. Well have to get off the DS needs the box already for school. Let's keep up the electricity I can feel the sparks. See Ya!

 

[padisneyfan]

Welcome back Chrystina. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. Wait till I tell my sister that I know someone who went to Althorp. She is a big Princess Di fan. In fact she even looks like Di, I aways tease her about that. Also, so glad that your sister is doing better.

Shirley-- My Norm and I will join you at Key West. Someone is soon going to have to make a list of where all I am to be on each day.

I agree with George about feeling the excitement building for our trip. I do feel like a little girl again waiting for Christmas morning to open my presents. Only thing it was so much easier when you are little, you just had to wait. Now we have to wait and do all the preparation for the big event. I know some of you are starting to pack, I keep looking at the suitcase (still need that second one) and hoping some how magically everything is going to go into it. Maybe if I open it up that will help.

As we approach the anniversary of 9/11, my heart goes out to all those affected by the events of that day. Thanks to all those who have served and are serving our country and to all the police and firefighers who protect us. God bless all of you.

Talk to you all soon.
Nancy

 

[RellingTwin]

Welcome home Chrystina! Glad you had a nice time nad glad you sister is doing well! Sorry to hear you did such damage to your creidt cards, I think you were just getting them "limbered up" for the real work out ahead!!!

Our List keeps growing. I just added Mbaxende to it. I will be forwarding a copy to everyone soon!BTW Mbaxende is another MIKE! I think that make 5 Mikes!!This is good...I can just call all the men Mike and I will be right most of the time!!!LOL!
Also BetteMom and SusanD has forwarded me some additional info.

I started to watch a program about 9/11 last night and just couldn't. My heart was breaking! Remember to drive with your headlights on during the day next Wednesday.

Mbaxende...... I forgot to tell you about the Key West meeting. The info is pretty resent. Just read back the last page or 2 and you will see the posts. 5pm on Sunday at Bill Fish Peir in Key West!!

I have not started packing yet only because I have had company for the past 3 weekends. I plan to start this weekend!

 

[eshannon]

Excitement? What Excitement? I always walk three feet above the ground! I am marking the time with events happening up til our departure.
this Saturday our school has its big fund raiser for the year. A Luau. Have been helping alot with it. As I said before, my uncle arrives from England on Tuesday and it is go, go, go with him as soon as the kids leave each morning. He leaves the 24th and then we leave, WOOHOO, the 27th.
I am in a little of a dilemma here. It was just announced that Cher will be here(in Boise!!) December 18th. she is doing her farewell tour. NOw, I am not a big fan of concerts, but I think I would give anything to see her. My dilemma is that we are scheduled to be in Disney the 15h-21st. My mom says she doesn't mind if we go later, but I really want to see the Christmas decs again. Believe it or not, the boys are even a little wishy/washy. Whose the disneyholic here??? Anyway, the tickets go on sale Sept. 23rd. I think If I can get really good seats I will delay disney until January or February. Anyone ever seen Cher. It is such a big thing for her to come here. We really aren't that big of a place!

Stay safe and well for three more weeks. Yikes, three more weeks. Gotta get packing this weekend.

Rae, meant to tell you, your little girl is very precious. Her picture is beautiful. I told william the story and he asked if he was an organ donor. I said he would be and he replied, Thats good. I don't think we ever think to talk to our children about that, I know i never did. But since he asked.....anyway it was a good life lesson for my guy. Thanks.

Guys, thanks for the pep talk to William about dressing for dinner. Am still worried about making the show and the pin trading AND dinner. (with the changes and all) I am too much of a worrywart!
Shirley, we are planning on being with you all in Key WEst. I did email you.
Does anyone know, is the shuttle off for sure?

Chrystina, Welcome back. Am trying to get to England myself for a quick shopping spree. I like the weekend specials they have. I go over and stay at a hotel near the airport. My friend comes up from Chichester and we shop, shop, shop. I bring one outfit and two empty suitcases. Can usually get it for about$400.

See you all later. Elaine

 

[Twinave]

I Hate my puter,...no I HATE my cable comp. I should have taken Twin sisters adviced and steered clear. Rae, I wrote you a long note about your beautiful daughter. Elaine, I wrote to you about William, and packing. Chrystina, I wrote about how I'm looking forward to having you and Dennis at our table each night.But everytime I submit, I get knocked off, and msg gets lost. So I'll try again, then I'm going to bed.
OK looks like it's working..................{HUG}
Later, Ave'

 

[power_alaska]

OKAY Ladies!!!

DO NOT ENCOURAGE Chrystina to use HER CREDIT CARDS!!!

She already know how to use them all too well ..........

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now I will go back and sit down & keep my mouth shut

 

[Twinave]

Tried to post this ealier today. Anyway, glad to have them in hand! Less then 4 weeks tto go!!!!!!

 

[RellingTwin]

Good Morning everyone! Another day closer to vacation! Boy, Am I ready for this trip! I love having a 3 day weekend, but I hate that the following week we have 4 days to do 5 days worth of work!!YUCK!

I'm glad so many are going to be at the Key West party! I was thinking KW would be the least eventful port, now (Thanks to Shirley and Norm) it looks like a highlight!!

Has everyone done their cruise shopping?

The kids and DH are finally starting to get really excited. I feel like I'm about to explode!!!!!!!
George you are right, the excitment is REALLY building!

Is anyone going to see the "Match You Mate" show? I wanted to see it last trip, but couldn't stay awake. This year I am determined to stay up! Maybe a nice nap that afternoon??

 

[padisneyfan]

Morning everyone,

Mary--- I loved the Match the Mate game. On our June cruise, one of the couples (long married ones) had their 18 yr old DD with them. She was so embarrased by what they were saying. MY 2 DS were there and were laughing so hard. I'm a night hawk and if Norm can get a little nap in the afternoon he can stay up late for the nighttime shows. At the 70 show my DS #2 was picked to be one of the Village People. Since he had this huge head full of curly hair, he was perfect for the part.

Well, got to get off to work. Hope everyone has a good day.

Nancy

 

[rae519]

I just visited the Space shuttle site.

Apparently, Atlantis is due to launch on Wednesday, October 2, 2002 - between 2-6 PM.

Having a great day here and hoping that you are all doing the same!

Rae ("more coffee, please!"

 

[papa]

Good morning all. Mary, Kathy drug me kicking and screaming to get a new blazer and pants for the cruise. Never have been much of a dresser. Bib overalls, jeans and tee shirts were my prescribed work uniforms What is it that says just because the button holes on your shirts or suit coat stretch a little means that you need a new one. Hey I wasn't planning on buttoning it anyway

Really looking forward to this cruise. We will be leaving Nashville 3 weeks from today and driving down in one day to Kissimmee. We got a great rate on the wdwhome page at roadway inn for 25 dollars a night. Going to stay there on the 26th and when we get back on the 5th and 6th. Mike

 

[Tulirose]

Papa - You look great dressed snazzy, tropical or everyday. Wishing you all a great trip.

rae519 - Took a look at your daughter's website and I was in tears. She certainly is a very special angel and you were very blessed to have her in your life.