Friday, Rider has to work- go figure! He has a prep for an upcoming detachment. As I wake up to no air conditioning (which really isn’t needed) and stretch and look out the window for the ocean view, I look down at the pool to see a rather large old man in a pink Speedo! I kid you not- this is what he looked like- minus the high heels!
I had a girls day of mani-pedi’s with one of Rider’s roommates girlfriend-(did you follow that?) and one of her friends who is stationed at Balboa (thank you Sandy and Kerry!). We spent the day in Oceanside and lunched at Ruby’s on the pier. And Stacey joined up for lunch. Ruby’s is a 50s diner with great burgers and shakes.
My trip to San Diego did not start out so well. I usually LOVE the window seat. However, this time I was stuck there with 2 OVER-SIZED elderly individuals between me, freedom and the bathroom. It was a 3 hour flight! I thought I was gonna die. Then when trying to exit the plane, these two individuals needed wheelchairs!
When I finally get to see Rider, I am ecstatic. I’m ready to get my luggage and get the heck outta of the airport. Well, my awesome, heavy duty Samsonite luggage is ripped! It looks like an airplane has rolled over it and slammed it in a door! And according to everyone's surprise, I didn’t pack that much! So, I think I have everything and then have to go and claim it with the airline. I would have been devastated had my personables been strewn about the baggage claim. Good Heavens! I get what they call a “replacement”. Unless it’s Samsonite or some type of reputable line, it’s not a replacement.
Thursday night- Dinner at Anthony’s Fish Grotto on the San Diego Bay. The crab cakes were delicious and Rider’s shrimp was tasty! Rider and I had been here before and the food was just as yummy. I wish it had been light to be able to enjoy the bay and the view of the ships. The last time we were here Lincoln graduated boot camp from MCRD- San Diego. Did I mention, I am already jet-lagged by this point? It would be midnight and I would be tucked away in bed.
Cathy, Ashley and I hosted a couple's shower for Casey and Link. We ordered a cake and Ashely and I decorated it with fresh flowers- didn't we do a great job ;-) The cake was 360 degrees of delight and beauty! Joni made chocolate covered strawberries with a 'B' on them- they were yummie, too. Cathy, Jim and Jeremy made some excellent food and appetizers. Link and Casey had a great turn out. A lot of family and friends attended. The soon to be couple also came away with car-loads of gifts! Yay! Here are some highlights...
June 4, 2010 is the day Rider received his 'wings of gold' to become a naval aviator in the United States Marine Corps. As the person who has put up with him and his training, Rider honored me by asking to be the first to pin his wings on him. I am a very proud wife! It was kind of embarrassing because we all walked on stage for me to do the honor. I was scared out of my mind! It was difficult, however, I executed perfectly! The festivities started with a Catholic Mass, then a non-denominational Blessing of the Wings, followed by a reception and then later, a winging party held each time a new class of aviators are winged (every 2 weeks).
June 3, 2010 Rider received his soft patch for his flight suit. It's pretty snazzy with those 'wings of gold'. We all couldn't be more proud. The soft patch ceremony was pretty informal. Each 'winger' choose an individual, such as an instructor, who has helped them along the way. The 'winger' repays the instructor with their choice of liquor, or in Rider's case a very nice liquor and a case of Lone Star beer from the Lone Star State! Those giving the soft patches also share stories, mostly made up of false experiences or embellishments. Most were hilarious and too crude for me to type! It was a a great, however long (24 wingers!), gathering.
Earlier in the day, Rider showed everyone the helicopter that he has been training in, the Bell Ranger. It's a four seater- and that's about that.
Here's my attempt at sitting in the pilot seat. I think I look pretty good, however, I will leave the complicated flying stuff to Rider and his buddies. Look at all of those gauges and instruments! I am so glad there are people in this world who can keep all that straight!
This day would not be complete without giving a 'shout out' to both of our families whose unending support helped Rider and I get to where we are.
Until, Rider and I have children, I will continue to blog about my amazing dog, Sully. Sully has really stepped it up in Howdy's absence. He cracks me up everyday with a new game, look or sound. My absolute favorite is that he makes this noise while he has a bone or toy in his mouth- it's a growl, not a mean growl. It sounds like Tim Allen from Home Improvement- it is hilarious! It makes my mornings and makes me want to hurry and get home so I can hear that growl and see his nub of a tail, shake- and I mean shake, shake, shaken' it!
Our newest game is where I put my finger on his nose and and he tries to catch it- it's cheap entertainment for the both of us. In the event he is faster, the game is definitely over, but usually, I win :-) Have I mentioned, he also likes to watch TV? Animal Planet is his favorite, he will sit in front of the tv and stare in amazement- it's great!
Here's my little (not so little anymore) monster on the way home from being rescued in Oklahoma. Yes, that is the center console of my parent's car. He couldn't lay there now, if his life depended on it.
Wow, Sully in the snow- that was sight! He didn't know what to do. He was more interested in watching other people play in the snow, though. But once we got started, he couldn't stop- he was soaking wet. But we sure did have fun!
I happened to catch a shot of the cute spots on his nose- he has one on the other side, too. Sully is a pretty good companion. Howdy would be proud.
Is he giving me a sweet look? I think so :-)
There's the other spot ;-) When it was all said and done, and Sully was dry, and me too, it was time for some relaxation, cuddling and hot chocolate for me. However, he didn't quite cuddle as well, because he was super charged after being in the snow. He acted like he had just had a bath, kicking his legs like a calf and everything- it was a sight to see. But after all that excitement, he finally calmed down long enough to pose for a picture.
nu=3242);77);39)WSNRCG=347;+58%3B56325nu0mrj.jpeg)
nu=3242);77);39)WSNRCG=347;+58%3B+5325nu0mrj.jpeg)
