Service Flag

With the redeployment of my brother, Russ, to Afghanistan, I felt it appropriate and necessary to re-hang the service flag at my home.

Dating back to WWI, the service flag was originally stitched by hand, with the capacity of up to 6 blue stars being placed on the field of white. In the unfortunate event of a service member's death, the blue star was then covered with the gold star. This flag's tradition continued in the 2nd World War, with it carrying over slightly into the Korean War. Apparently, during Vietnam, the flag was not seen as often. With the new war on terror, it has again become a tradition of families across the nation to fly this flag to honor their family member(s) who are serving the country. I see it frequently here on the road in Washington, in a house, on a car, or flying on the family flag pole.

You can read more about it here.

Be safe Russ.

~N

End of trip

Home at last. Yes, as of Saturday evening I was officially home. I still don't feel quite home, as my body is still trying to adjust to not driving down rough roads, endless stretches of highway, or cabling up/provisioning our new systems.

I really wish I would've had the camera handy for the surprised look that I received when I announced my homecoming to Julie. Truly "shock and awe", or sheer befuddlement. I think my phone calls to her earlier in the day made the difference, especially telling her that we were heading south to fix some problems. I know, it is a terrible thing to do this trickery, but I think the surprise was worth it for both of us. I missed Julie dearly, and she missed me equally. It is a nice feeling to be missed like that.

So I am spending my first couple of days back reading notes of our trip, laying out my yards of receipts for expense reporting, and generally trying to unwind from the trip. 14 days, 3,555 miles, plenty of extra hours of work, and too many sleepless nights in motel rooms to remember. Not a rough life by any stretch, however it sure wore me out.

~N

The photo says it all.

Cedar City, Utah

Well out of the Cal-Nev-Ari portion of our trip, we now begin our leg towards Salt Lake City. Today was, hopefully, our last stop in Nevada and the desert southwest, where we left behind sunny skies and 70 degrees. Thinking back about one week before, some of us were stuck on the grapevine in a snow storm.

With yesterday as an off day, I'd say most of us were slightly recharged. We left behind one member of the core team to pick up another who is based in this area. We arrived here in Cedar City to a nice chilly 28 degrees. What else would one expect this time of year? I am enjoying the beautiful scenery that I've seen along the trip. Virgin River Gorge was stunning! This area is definitely someplace I need to bring back Julie and the kids too experience. I'm thinking early spring would be the best time to visit, before the temps get too high.

Well, off to bed, to try and stay ahead for once during the trip. I caught sight of a small cactus, and figured I should snap a photo of it since I hadn't captured one yet. A slow farewell to the desert behind me.

12 days on the road. Feels like more!

~N

Wagons East

We begin our next phase today. All of us are hoping for good weather as we head over into Utah. Noooo snow!

~N

Lost Wages again, but with a twist

Back into Las Vegas tonight/this early morning. Another long, super long, day on the job. We finished our leg from LV to Phoenix and are getting a day off tomorrow.

The boss is riding with me again today, and says, "Let's stay on the strip." Luxor we agree on, and we stop. Full. Off to the Excalibur, full. MGM? Full. New York, New York? Open for 350.00 per night. Hooters hotel, surely they can't be full. They are. Desperation setting in now as we've made a mistake by assuming that a random hotel would be open in Vegas, in January. A frantic call to Julie reveals that the Monte Carlo has rooms available for 159. We call and reserve them QUICK! Check in arrives, and there is an upgrade. How about an upgrade to the 29th floor suite? "For the same price?" The reply is yes, and of course I feel obligated to take this offer.

So here I sit, on this super comfy bed, 2 bathrooms, jet tub, kitchenette, terry cloth robe. I am soooo glad I get tomorrow off. I think I'm going for a massage...

Julie, wish you were here! Really, it is something! Miss you much and love you a more!

Good night all,

~N

Tired in Laughlin, NV

Yup, here I am in Laughlin, NV.

I'm tired, I'm here, I'm going to bed... good night all!