Monday, March 1, 2010

Five Years Later

It's hard to believe that this month makes five years since I returned from Iraq.  I left Fort Hood, Texas  on March 10, 2004 and returned on March 17, 2005.  I don't think I was ever as excited as I was that day.  When I saw Mike I couldn't even keep the big grin off my face.  Of course, I had a few days to get back into the swing of things at home.  So I thought I'd share a picture show of my homecoming.
Tons of laundry dropped by the door
Of course, I had to call everyone to say I was home.  Max was glad to see me.
It was nice, warm, and sunny...too nice to stay indoors
Mike took me to a drive-thru safari..where we saw ostriches.......
and little ponies.....
Some sort of antelope thingies....
Different types of deer....
Even white deer....
....and babies.....(see us with the baby goats in the side bar!)
You can't forget Donkey....
Creatures with long tongues....
...and, of course, that camel.
We had a wonderful time that day.  Of course, there was a lightning and thunder storm rolling in that day.  You can see the dark clouds in the side bar pics.  We also took a fishing trip for bass to a lake in North Texas, and a few weeks of travel to North Carolina to see my family and Mike's sister and family, who was living near Baltimore, Maryland at the time.  I was so glad to be home.

*Note*  I know I haven't been around much this past week.  We've had end of year phyical inventory, and I prefer to call it Hell Week.  I worked from 8 a.m. Friday to 10:30 p.m. Friday, and I still had to come in for half a day on Saturday.  Of course, all my reports were due today.  So, I have just been busier than a bee in a clover field.  I got a few chicken pics over the weekend, but they weren't great.  I will try to get some posted this week.

14 comments:

Nekkid Chicken said...

I know how you feel in a way. Never went to Iraq though. On April Fool's Day, will be my four year anniversary of being a free citizen.

I like that you took pictures since it was a GRAND OPENING into a new life.

Regards,
Mal

Donna said...

There's NO place like home...Glad you made it back safely to!!
I do not Like inventory, but it's a necessary evil...
Happy Restful night!!
hughugs

Becca's Dirt said...

Hope you had a good rest. It's the pits when you can't sleep.

Anonymous said...

Dear Randy, What a wonderful home coming having been away for so long and, most likely, in great danger for most of that time. I am sure that Max, and of course Mike, was so pleased to have you at home again.

The trip to the safari park looked to be enormous fun and you both clearly enjoyed it. The white deer seems very special.

Your army training really does seem to be a punishing schedule but obviously you enjoy [probably not the right word] it or you would not be keen to carry on.

I do hope that the chicken are well and thriving. Have a good week.

John Going Gently said...

I dont know how you could go into the forces......for me it would be hell trapped in a confined space with an all male environment!

it would remind me of my psychiatric nurse days when I worked on an all male ward ( staff and patients)
I prefer working with a mixture of men and women.... less stress!!!

Chicken Boys said...

Mal-That's why I got out of active to begin with. I was offered 20 grand, lump sum, tax free....but was garuanteed to be back in Iraq within a year.

Donna-our inventory is insane. This company makes it harder than it has to be. But we got thru.

Becca- Thanks. I'm sleeping better these last few nights.

Edith Hope-it's not as hard as it may seem. Really there's often a lot of hurry up and wait.

John-It's not really like that. In fact, there are a lot more females in the army than there used to be. There was four people in my squad...me and my sarge (a male) and two other female soldiers.

LemonyRenee' said...

Randy -- I'm so glad you got back here safely. What a fun way to celebrate coming home. It looks like that safari drive-thru was fabulous fun. My son would love something like that. Heck, so would I!

That work shift is just crazy. Here's to holding on for brighter days.

Tracey said...

Hello young man. Hope the stress is over for you now. Nice to have you back in the land of blog...xxx

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

sure glad you got home in one piece with a big smile on your face, now let's get everybody else back home. I supported it in the beginning but now I want to bring everybody home and protect our borders (I know it's not that easy but just saying).

Callie Brady said...

There's noting like coming home! And your own bed and pillow.

Hope you get a good rest when these long hours are over.

joanne said...

So glad you came back safely and a huge Thank You for keeping me safe.

As for inventory, I remember those days and they were hell. Hope you get some rest and a break from work soon. Looking forward to Spring here...;p

Little Messy Missy said...

Great pics! Memories are precious thanks for sharing. I hope things slow down for you soon! Have a great week! Yes I am shouting!

Toni aka irishlas said...

Nothing like coming home. Love the photo memories you shared.
Now, go get some sleep! I remember oh to well working hours like that!

bubble said...

bet you was glad to be home! love the pics and WOW...look at them clouds...I hate thunder at night but love a mean storm in the day! :) xxx