Day 173 - Send-off letter

June 22

Today was the big send-off for the troops. A representative from Senator Ensign's office came with a letter of support and well-wishes for the soldiers. It was a bitter sweet occasion. Dave addressed the troops with words of encouragement and handed out coins to each of them. Lunch boxes filled with sandwiches and chips were given out, and Dave and I went around the room and introduced ourselves to each of the soldiers and their families while they ate.

All too soon it was time for their departure. Final training would take place at Ft. Hood, Texas and Ft. Lee, Virginia. It was hard to see Dave get on the bus - knowing that he was one step closer to leaving for Afghanistan. But at the same time, I felt so proud of him. Each soldier looked to him for guidance and security. He was their commander!

Day 172 - Lunch at the Cannery

June 21

We're back in Las Vegas and I'm eating lunch alone at a snack bar in the Cannery Casino. A turkey sandwich, red potato salad, and a drink was my choice. The food was good, but expensive! The days of cheap meals in Las Vegas are gone!

Day 133 - Leaving Las Vegas

May 13

Leaving someone you love can be hard!

Dave makes one last call on his phone before giving it up.

The troops are just about ready to roll... it's 7:00 a.m. right on the button. Everything is always on time with the army. No exceptions!

Two buses, full of brave soldiers, leave for training in Northern California. Afghanistan... too soon.

Call it an adventure, a hardship, duty, passion, whatever....

I call it commitment to the cause of freedom! I call it love of country! I call it heroic!

Day 132 - yellow roses

May 12

I love my beautiful yellow roses! It is traditon for the in-coming Commander's wife to receive a half dozen yellow roses.

Day 131 - Change of Command

May 11

Another day.... but a BIG important day! Dave had his Change of Command ceremony today. He is officially the new Commander of the 650th Brigade in Las Vegas, Nevada.

All the troops stand at attention. After the opening prayer and National Anthem the ceremony begins. The out-going Commander, the in-coming Commander, and the General all give a speech. By the way, Dave's was very good! The Master Sgt. passes the flag to the out-going Commander, and the out-going Commander passes the flag to the General, the General then hands off the flag to the new Commander (Col Daniels), signifying the transfer of command.

Dave is the "top dog" now! He's the boss! You can compare it to as if he were the commander of the whole of Hill Air Force Base. I'm so proud of him!

Tradition has it that the out-going Commander's wife receive a half dozen red roses. The in-coming Commander's wife (me) receives a half dozen yellow roses. This is the second time I have gone through this. Col Daniels treated everyone to a cake (that says welcome Col and Mrs. Daniels!) and fruit drink after the Change of Command Ceremony. I love the army. They are like instant family everywhere yo go! This was a very good day!

Day 130 - pushing buttons

May 10

that is... ELEVATOR BUTTONS!

Back in Las Vegas and doing my daily ritual.

I get up.

I get dressed.

I get in the elevator.

I push the button to lobby.

I eat breakfast.

I get back in the elevator.

I push button 4.

Dave comes and picks me up for lunch.

We get in the elevator.

We push the button to lobby.

We eat lunch.

Dave drops me back off at the hotel.

I get in the elevator.

I push button 4.

Dave comes HOME and we get ready to go out for dinner.

We get in the elevator.

We push the button to lobby.

We go to dinner.

We come back, walk in the hotel lobby and smell the delicous aroma of fresh baked cookies!

We get a chocolate chip cookie for dessert... it's on the house.

We get in the elevator.

We push button 4.

We're HOME for the night!

Whew....what a day!!

Day 127 - a little bit country... a little bit rock 'n roll

May 7

Couldn't be in Las Vegas and not see the Donny & Marie Show! It was held in the Flamingo. Dave and I were seated in the balcony at a table overlooking the auditorium. Our view was good. The cost was over the top! I was more excited about the show than Dave was. Who wouldn't be excited to see our Utah's own country and rock 'n roll.... practically neighbors we grew up with.

Marie was funny and entertaining. Donny was hot and totally awesome!

Day 126 - palm trees

May 6

They are interesting looking trees. The bark reminds me of wooden shake shingles. The gigantic palm leaves look like they expand 15 feet or so providing abundant shade for vegetation underneath. They line the streets of Las Vegas, are planted around Casino's, and are found around shopping centers and hotels. They are everywhere!

Day 125 - Cinco de Mayo....

May 5

meaning "fifth of May" in Spanish. It is not the Mexico's independence day, but a celebration that actually started in the United States to honor Mexican heritage.

We found ourselves in the middle of Cinco de Mayo in Old Downtown Las Vegas. The old strip has been converted into a walking mall of sorts and is covered with a large expansive half circle screen where light shows, entertainers, and even tourists can been seen. At one time, they shut off all the lights, started up some music and a spectacular light show could be seen from one end of the strip to the other. For dinner, we made our way to a nearby restaurant and had prime rib dinner for $5.99. Cheap meals are Las Vegas' trade mark! Isn't that why we really go to Vegas!!

Day 124 - Contenential Breakfast

May 4

I get up and head down the elevator for breakfast around 9:00 a.m. Someone else prepares it and I have plenty of choices.... waffles, yogurt, fresh fruit, oatmeal, cereal, omlets, sausage, bacon, muffins, bread, juice, milk. Today I am eating a cheese filled omlet with salsa on top, wheat toast with cream cheese spread, and orange juice. I take a bananna and muffin upstairs for a snack later on in the day. Spoiled!!

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 122 - Relaxing in Vegas

May 2

After the hectic last two weeks getting Dave ready for his new assignment in Las Vegas, I welcomed my first day there.... I relaxed all day long and read. I hardly left the bed.

Standing in Holy Places - Keys of the Kingdom, written by Chad Daybell, is the fourth book in the series. The books are an easy read and have given me food for thought, even when I think it may be a little far-fetched at times.... but you never know! The books are fictional and are based on prophesies and events to be fulfilled before the second coming of Christ. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the books and can't wait for the last one to come out!