New Potatoes

August 5, 2011

There's nothing better than small new red potatoes.  My favorite way to cook them.... 

1.  Place a small amount of olive oil in a fry pan.  
2.  Cut potatoes in half, leaving skin on.  
3.  Place potato side down and cook on medium low heat until done (about 15 minutes).
4.  I also like to add onion and a dash of garlic.  No need to add salt.

Delicious!

In the evening, we attended Dave's 35 year Class Reunion at the new Wasatch High School in Heber.  The school was state-of-the-art in every sense.  It was amazing!

Working in SLC

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

When Dave got back from Afghanistan, a new director for the Dept. of Agriculture re-routed him to  headquarters in Salt Lake City.  He's not happy.  His old job was in the Brigham City court house, which was only a few miles from home.  Now, he's getting up at 5:30 a.m., traveling 50 miles to SLC, and getting home after 6 p.m.  His time is greatly limited, now, for working on the farm or on the house.  Not good!

Dave's new home away from home... Dept. of Agriculture, SLC

Unpacking

Unpacking more treasures from Afghanistan.  The musical instruments are unique.  Now, the challenge.... where in the world are we going to put all this stuff??

Dave, the professional packer!

Welcome Home Soldier Boy!

Monday, June 20, 2011

We got home around 9:30 p.m. to a warm welcome from Audrey and Kelsey's families.  They decked out the front entrance with a banner and flags.  Makaela drew a saluting soldier, flag, and helicopter.  Alia drew pretty colors.  Audrey had dinner waiting for us and gave Dave a Father's Day present... a six months supply of double mint gum and a refill cup with free refills for a week.  Awesome!

Commander's Certificate

Saturday, June 18, 2011

A welcome home ceremony for the 650th was held today at the Stan Fulten Building at UNLV.  Dave stood in front, with the General and Master Sgts., and gave each of his troops a certificate and coin.  They were also given a flag in a display case in honor their service.  Dave was the last to receive his, naturally.  The commander serves first...... then is honored.  The General  congratulates Dave as he presents his certificate to him.

I love to watch Dave as the soldier in charge.  He is humble, has a good sense of humor, and does an outstanding job at leading.  The media, dignataries from the governors office, senate office, and congress office sat in the first row just ahead of where I sat.  I had a good conversation with the woman from the governors office.  She offered support and was impressed with Dave's good humor!

Return Home

Friday, June 17, 2011

I drove to Las Vegas today to bring Dave back home from Afghanistan.  After getting off the airplane, Dave led his troops down the escalator and into the very excited and anxious arms of family members.  Each soldier was welcomed with a sweet treat lei.  I only saw army boots descend the escalator.  Being short and in the back of the crowd was to my disadvantage.  It took a few minutes for Dave and I to find each other.   I was glad when I finally spotted my soldier boy! 

It was a great experience to be in the crowd of family members greeting their soldiers back home.  I wasn't sure that I would ever get to experience it, and it was worth it!  The excitement was intense.  All members of the 650th were accounted for.  No injuries or casualties to report.  Thank goodness!

Good-by again

Dave's Rest & Relaxation has come to an end. I took him to the airport this morning and we said our good-byes again. He'll be back for good the 1st of July. It was a dreary wet and snowy kind of day... but that didn't dampen his spirits. I think he is anxious to get back to Army work. Maybe that is why he is wearing that big smile.

Conversation with an Afghan

I call Dave once a week in Afghanistan. When I call him in the evening, he is starting the next day. They are twelve hours ahead of us. Tonight, Dave's Afghan interpreter wanted to talk to me on the phone. At first I was apprehensive. I wasn't sure what to say. But his kind voice soon put me at ease. Our conversation quickly turned to family. He knew we had a lot of children and grandchildren. He said the Afghan people have large families, too, and told me how they all live together in the same household, which he really liked. I told him that our children just visit but it's a big household when they are there all together. I asked him how he liked working with Dave. His response was very heartfelt and sincere. He said "he is a real good man" and really enjoys working for him. He thinks the world of him. He said Dave was kind to him and everyone he meets. He said he would like to come to America and meet me, and that if I ever wanted anything from Afghanistan he would make sure I get it. He was so kind and genuine.

Dave says the Afghan people are very nice and has come to love them. He has made many good friends there. His interpreter is a young man, 23 years in age, is newly married with a baby on the way. He has never been outside of Kabul. Dave wants to take him to Washington D.C. in April when he goes to some meetings. I hope it works out for them. I look forward to meeting this young man someday. Maybe it will happen in April if I'm lucky!

This silver pot came from Afghanistan. Dave gave it to me for my birthday.

Day 123 - Commander

May 3

He's a Colonel in the United States Army, He's a Commander of a Brigade, He's in his new office... busy busy, He's my hUBBy! It suits him real fine! And I love him!

Day 112 - Picnic send-off party!

apr 22

After a long day's work on the farm, Dave came home to a picnic party with the family. We had cheese and chicken enchilada's, chips and Mexican seven-layer dip, frog eye salad, raspberry lemonade, and bananna splits for dessert. We played "Couch" and enjoyed a nice relaxing evening with the kids.

In attendance: Bywater's - Kelsey, Chad, Makaela, Brayden; Mecham's- Mike, Audrey, Alia; Waters - Kel and Chelsea; Daniels - Paul and Jessica; Dave and Carol

Day 110 - Fort Douglas

apr 20

Ft. Douglas located at the University of Utah has become second home to Dave. This is the building that houses his office. Today Dave finished up his paper work and cleaned out his office. I will miss him not working close to home. Las Vegas is a little farther down the road, but we are excited for his new Brigade Command assignment!

Day 109 - Text Man!

apr 19

Dave's learned to text! I don't know how he sees those little numbers and letters. His eye site is worse than mine, and I can't read any of it! I think he has memorized the placement. I see no other way! He has gotten real good at it at any rate.

Day 108 - An Angel to watch over

apr 18

I didn't sleep well last night. News of Dave getting deployed to Afghanistan made me restless with worry. I'm praying an Angel to watch over him.

Day 105 - Busted!

apr 15

It was a busy day today.... house, work, house! It was so warm. It was a good day to look for pesticide sprayers. Work can be quite an adventure with Dave. We were on a street in Odgen and spotted someone spraying a curbside bed.... another pesticide applicator Busted!

This bee was Busted, too! I caught him carrying pollen from one blossom to another. But that's a good thing and it was very cool!

Day 103 - So long... farewell!

apr 13

Yes, the camper is gone! It took several hours to load the old delapidated thing on the back of the buyer's truck (although it was free). I'm glad to get rid of it, but Dave was sad because his "pesticide shed" was gone.

I always thought Dave was "SUPERMAN"! Look at him push that camper on the back of the truck!

Day 85 - Working with Dave

mar 26

One of the benefits of Dave's work.... I get to go to work with him whenever I want. And I do a lot of that! I hadn't been to his office in quite a while, so today was a nice treat to see him work at the desk.

Day 38 - Room 530

When you can't beat 'em, join 'em! The Mr. had to go again... a 5 day Army meeting at Ft. Douglas. I'm a lucky girl because I always get to tag along. I got to relax, sleep in, read, shop, write.... have someone else cook for me, make my bed, and clean my bathroom. I call this a pretty good mini vacation! Room 530 was good to me!