What a week!

Well this was a busy week, On Tuesday we had a luncheon for Russ, a co-worker who had decided to cross over to the US Marshal Service, he starts a shortened training schedule on Monday. On Wednesday Carolyn had a CT scan and blod test. The CT scan shows the spot they are tracking is barely visible. That was great to hear. The Chemo though is forcing her body to take a little longer to recover. So, no chemo this week. On Thursday friends and co-workers officially sent me out the door... to retired status. I received some wonderful gifts, we drank, told war stories, we drank, told more stories, and we drank.
A good time was had by all. Special thanks to Rina Patel who put it all together.
Then on Saturday my laptop died, even though I have an external hard drive backing up files, many "disappeared", so now I'm on a fancy new computer and trying to recover what I can. So far, so good.
Today a trip to Home Depot for some gardening stuff!

Associate SAC presenting me with "retired" badge and credentials!

RETIRED!

Last Thursday I went to work, looked at the calendar and wondered what I was doing there.  I called Carolyn and asked her to come get me. I then turned in the government car, and other "tools of the trade" and called it a career. Since then I've been so occupied that I've let the blog slide. Yesterday I drove Rebecca to the airport. She took a few days leave to see some friends who will be deploying soon. This has been a good week for Carolyn, tomorrow she'll have a blood test to see if her counts are high enough for round 3. Thursday is the retirement party from the office... I'm guessing there will be some interesting photos.
Here's some more photos.

Carolyn with Dixie and Dodger!

Rebecca demonstrating her push up form... pretty good!

Chessie as a puppy.

Tom, and me and Yoda, I think this is Lake Keowee, SC.

View from lodge at Amicalola Falls in the fall

 View along the trial to Amicalola Falls, southern end of the Applachian Trail.

Lost a Comrade

A close friend (Chris Collins) advised me a former fellow AFOSI Agent died recently in an accident at a firing range.
My thoughts and prayers to Jerry Weber's family.  Below is the badge we carried with honor!

The color of the badge

"One of the most prominent features of the OSI badge is its color and brilliance. Gold - gold, the color of precious metal, of something universally acknowledged as having significant value - the metal traditionally associated as belonging to the best in the field - a color particularly appropriate as AFOSI strives to be the premier investigative agency of its kind."

The lettering of the badge

"The lettering is boldly stamped in blue. Blue - the color in heraldry associated with "constancy of purpose" as well as "justice." The color, also, of the sky - the domain of the service which we serve."

The shape of the badge

"The shape of the AFOSI badge - a shield - delivers a powerful message. In its essence, AFOSI exists to protect the integrity of the Air Force."

The center of the badge

"Appropriately, the Air Force's own insignia is found at the center of the badge, protected by two unbroken, concentric circles. The innermost circle contains the name of the protective organization itself, AFOSI, and the outermost circle emblazoned with two simple, yet powerful words - Special Agent - the person who carries the shield to protect the Air Force and the values it represents."

The border of the badge

"At the edges of the badge we find the laurel wreath, throughout history the traditional award given the conquering hero."

The crown of the badge

"Surmounting the badge is the eagle, honored symbol of the nation, its lofty ideals and noble values. But note the position of the wings - not outstretched in the traditional mode ready to take flight, but spread in a protective stance, as if guarding its young against the dangers of the wild and shielding them against the base forces of nature."


Other Stuff this week...

Carolyn has bounced back again from chemo round 2. Our friends and neighbors have been too kind in their support, we've been receiving wonderful meals delivered right to our door.
Spring may finally be trying to fight her way back, though we having cool nights we're warming nicely during the day.

Ashley and Josh have been doing all kinds of work on their house, installing french doors to their patio, having the whole house painted inside and out, yard work, etc. They both are staying quite busy with that and work.

Rebecca is currently on leave and visiting a "friend". She's also at that point trying to decide whether to re-enlist, go into the reserves and cross-train, or just get out. I think if she makes Staff Sgt., she'll likely re-enlist.

Me, well.... 4 work days to go!  :)

2nd Chemo

Round 2 went well. Carolyn is feeling as good as could be expected. Since it's super bowl Sunday and it's cold outside, today will be a TV watching and book reading day. The folks in the neighborhood are just fantastic, we've had meal after meal brought to us, a caserole, ham, scalopped potatoes, brownies, cup cakes, and that's just this week. So, since I'm now trained at the gym, It's become a necessary daily workout. :)

Here's some pictures...

Goofing off on the MET Team,  DEA 12+ years ago

Lola enjoying the chair

Tom, I like my beer in a glass.... and in a can!

A young Yoda, @ 7 mos.