About a month

Yes, that's right, we're finally down to the last month before the famous group we affectionately refer to as "The Replacements" arrive to free us from our sentence. The days continue to tick away at about the same pace and the weather remains about as perfect as it could be in Iraq (lows around 70 and highs around 90). And no, there hasn't been any doctoring to do, just more of the usual: reading, running, working out and amusing ourselves in any way possible.

Just after the last post, the three of us who arrived together back in May had our celebratory pizza to mark the 3/4 point. We brought ice cream and root beer to make floats and chatted about all of the little moments that have made up our time together this year. We shared some laughs and commiserated that we have five kids between the three of us, and we're all ready to see our families again.

Last weekend, our base held its official "Air Force 1/2 Marathon-Deployed Locations" race. Over 80 people showed up to run at 6AM and we had lots of good supporters at all of the aid stations/tables. With a little manipulation, the biggest loop on base is 6.6 miles, so it was just two more laps around that course which we know and love so well at this point (I have logged over 350 miles on that loop in the last five months, and others have done much more!).

(4th place=no medal)

Lest you think we're getting bored (and yes, we ARE) or predictable, Jake and I made a tee time at our local course and played 7 holes last week. How is that possible? Well, it turns out there is a dirt golf course hidden behind locked gates here at the KRAB, and we finally managed to form a friendship with one of the gate-keepers. Each tee-box is marked by number and has an AstroTurf mat. The greens are raked and swept so that only baked clay remains and there are even real cups dug into the ground that hold actual flags! The longest hole is 120 yards long and after the tee, you hit off of sand, dirt or the occasional bush. It may not be real golf, but it sure was an awesome runner-up. Notice the shoulder-fired rocket launchers that have been converted to "bags" for carrying our wedges (the Ammo guys run the course).

(Super-flat back swing...time to hit the range and work out some bad habits!)

(Natural hazard on #6...I didn't make this up)

Always in love with you, Sweetheart. See you next month!!!