Day 43: Late by Design

I made a conscious decision to delay this week’s picture and post one day.  Today, 26 September 2011 is 28 years since I arrived at MCRD-San Diego to start my journey towards becoming a Marine.  For many Marines, this is almost considered a birthday, though the true birthday is the first day you’re called Marine – for me, that’s 16 December.

Me today

28 years ago yesterday with Gramma B.  I've changed a bit

The past few days, I have done what I typically do during this time of the year – I reflect back upon the journey that has been.  September has always been a time of change for me – typically one of rebirth.  School always has started around this time of year, I joined and was released from active duty in September, and I was married in this month as well.  If Crystal were still alive, this past week would have been 15 years together. 

It’s all good.

This past week, I have spent a lot of time being introspective.  I have looked at this past year, and the past years, and realized that though I am comfortable being alone, I would love to share my adventure with someone.  The trouble is finding someone to share that adventure with.  It doesn’t help that I’m a bit shy – truly shy – and I really don’t like going out to bars and such. 

I’ve also been busy in the kitchen this past week.  My apple tree has been over-productive the last few years (look below for what’s still left after at least 25 bushels has been picked off of it).  I’ve been making apple sauce, froze a few pre-made pie fillings, and tonight, I’ve started a batch of apple sauce that’ll be made into apple butter.

That's a lot of apples

And, I’m also in the process of turning a leg of lamb into fenalår, a Norwegian style cold cut.  It’s a long process, but should be ready for Christmas.  I’m excited and hope it turns out well.  It’s also going to force me to figure out how to cold smoke – and that’s something I REALLY look forward to learning. 

My friend Wade also sent me something – Wade believe that everyone needs a little bit of Tom Selleck in their soul.  Ah, Wade, you do make me laugh.

The Bjorn Selleck

The Wade Selleck

September 18 -- Day 35 -- Yeah, it's late ... but ...

It's been a busy few days.  I headed down to Minneapolis last Friday (Sept 16th), then up to Mora for the weekend with the family.  I spent Saturday helping Lori around the garden center -- I fixed her north fence, though I really do think it's going to need complete replacement in the not too far off future.  It was fun, though (even if I did hit my thumb a few time -- next time, I'm bringing my own hammer!).  Sunday found me on my way back to the G to the F, and when I got home, some new friends were over to pick apples.

And do I EVER have apples!  My tree has been producing like mad for the past four summers, and right now, I just need a longer ladder to get up higher.  I've been making apple sauce and trading a bunch off for another type of apple -- tomatoes.  Right now, I'm filling my smaller freezer with tomato and apple sauce -- and for the past few nights, that's part of what I've been working on.

The other thing that's been keeping me busy has been school.  Tonight I roughed out my third test of the semester.  I gave my Intro students their first test Monday and Tuesday, and I was impressed!  I had some of my highest scores for a first test, and the highest class average in a long time.  Friday I give a test to my Developmental students, and Monday next, Abnormal is on the block.  It should be a good time.

So, I've been busy.  This weekend, I'm relaxing.  I think.  Unless I can find a longer ladder.

This week's picture was taken at Petal Pushers Garden Center in Mora, MN, by my sister Lori.  I like the look -- especially the new Filson hat!  (And yes, it was taken Sunday!)

The silver is really starting to show!

September 11 -- Day 28 -- A day to remember

Ten years ago today, our world changed when a group of extremists decided their way of life was better than everyone else's.  Through their actions, the world became filled with anger, fear, and a desire to protect ourselves before all others.  I get that.  I understand that.  But, I don't like it.

We live our life in an ever-increasing police state.  Our government is filled with corruption.  The rich are getting richer while everyone else is slowly dying on the vine.  If we look back over the past 50 years, we can see that this isn't something new.  Over even over the past 100 years.

10 years ago tonight, I was sitting at home with Crystal, talking quietly over what had happened.  What it meant.  What could happen.  And were there going to be more attacks?  Less than a year later, her death helped her to escape a lot the turmoil.

 This week, I included a picture that Crys took of me about ten years ago.  It's one of my favorites, and one that when she developed it, caused her to laugh so hard I was a bit worried.  The original hangs in hall downstairs.

 And it still makes me laugh.

 In the past 10 years -- laughter is the gift that works best when recycled.

 

 

Whacha lookin' at? -- 1999

You still here?  2011

 

September 4 -- Day 21 -- The Joy of the Beard

This past week, many of my friends sent me funny stuff.  I thought that I'd share them with you.

My good friend Randi sent me this:

Mr. Connery is one of my favorite actors -- I've always enjoyed watching him, but to me, he was a much better badass with facial hair and no toupee then he ever was as 007.  Even when he had the toupee -- such as when he played Captain Ramius in The Hunt for Red October, he was much more effective with the facial hair then if he were the James Bond clean-shaven look.

Another camp friend, Emma, was concerned that I'm missing my beard and sent this to me:

This is from the Snorgtees Beardheads .  Another of my friends, Ingebjorg, sent the links to me earlier this summer.  If my beard wasn't on its way back, I'd think of getting one of these highly fashionable pieces of apparel.

I look good in yellow.

But, the best came from my friend Len.  Len and I were in almost the same circle in college -- and I know we were at quite a few of the same parties.  He's married to a friend of mine from camp, the undeniable Miss Thea, and he found this by doing a search for bearded motherf*#$er:

This is a special forces warrior from the early days of the Afghanistan campaign.  One hard-charging, get-some young man. 

If I ever decide to become a mercenary, and I lose about another 50 pounds, I'll look like this again.

At Day 21, though, I'm starting to see the beard again well.  It's starting to fill in, and I could keep it this length, but I'm definitely going to let it go a bit longer.

I am, if I say so myself, looking good.