Road Tripping

In eleven days a granddaughter graduates from High School in South Carolina. I plan to be there. She has been an honor student since 1^st grade. Joining the NJROTC at her high school she has risen in rank to LTC. In addition, she was in the marching band.

To my knowledge, she is the only officer of any kind in our extended family.

Her older brother is a 5^th generation Army soldier.

Most likely, she will be in the military. Her future is bright!

But, and there is always a but, there is a boyfriend, currently an enlisted sailor.

Sisty always accuses me of over thinking. I call it careful planning.

 Regretfully, Banner will stay with Sisty. He road trips easily and is no burden. I will miss him. My primary reason for not taking him is his safety.

 My late son, the Medic, would be so proud. He fought so hard to create a safe place for her to grow up. The birth mother was, and probably still is, bat shit crazy. Many thousands of dollars were spent permanently ending her parental rights. Money well spent.

I will be driving, just under 1,600 miles each way. I loathe the whole commercial air travel experience. Been there, done that, for too many years.

Thanksgiving Surprise

Skilled photographers impress me with their ability to capture moments and convey emotions.

Recently my daughter in law emailed pictures taken Thanksgiving by her friend who then introduced my late son’s photograph into the picture. Took me aback for a moment. So appropriate, that he is still watching over them from the other side.

She has two children from a previous relations ship and he had two. Together they had another son.

 Soon after they became a family her children asked me what they should call me.

“You can call me whatever you want”, was my reply.

“Can we call you Grandpa?”

“Sure can”, was my response, with a big grin. Been Grandpa every since.

Admiration for my daughter in law is off the charts. The way she has dealt with the loss of her husband, and kept on keeping on, vindicates my son’s good sense in marring her. I say this even though she refers to me as, “Grumpy Old Bastard”.

Yep, she isn’t easily fooled!

Grandkids Fix

A post aimed primarily at my extended family who occasionally wanders by.

Yesterday time spent some time with my youngest son, FDIL, grandkids and their cats and dogs at Fort Carson, home to his unit. He is being medically discharged.

For the past three-plus years, he has been on detached duty at Dugway,  UT as a 68W Health Care Specialist (Medic).

His body has been damaged to the point he cannot continue to serve. He would rather stay in but that is not an option at this point.
Thankfully, both the Army and the VA are doing right by him, due in part, I'm sure, to his forceful personal advocacy.

Next week they will be on their way to upstate South Carolina where he has an EMT type job waiting and a home they are buying.

Enjoyed my time with them and am looking forward to visiting them in SC. Just for the record, my grandkids are way cuter than yours.

Up, Up, and Away?

Not so, but I am off to Albuquerque for a grandkid fix. Oldest granddaughter graduates from High School on Monday. 

The schools in Tooele Utah district, especially at Dugway, are limited. She spent this past year with her mother's parents for a better high school opportunity.

Youngest son, FDIL, and the rest of the kids are coming from Utah for the ceremony. 

Limited blogging and remarks for the next few days.

Grandkid Fix

Enjoying a couple of days with my youngest and his family. Great weather after the drive out.  Some range time yesterday. Back to base tomorrow. Longer blog entry with pictures will be up around Tuesday.

I hope all these Salt Lake City area drivers are right with the Lord, as so many drive like they are in a hurry to meet him.

Grandkids Having Fun

Wish I could have been there.

Family Time

Please indulge me. Youngest son, and youngest grandson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArCrEH4hrDc