Happy Birthday, Terry

MadonnaMountain.JPG
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

Terry and I share the same birthday, but were born in a different year. (He's just a young pup!) Terry's working hard in So. Cal at an intership this summer, between his two years of MBA classes. Hopefully next year he'll get a high-powered job making lots of money so I can come and sponge off him someday.
This picture of Rick, Terry, and me was taken on top of Madonna Mountain in SLO during my block leave prior to coming to Kuwait. We hiked up the mountain and had some cold beers at the top.
Terry drove all the way up from Orange County to see me before I left.

Doh

Kim just pointed out to me that people have been posting comments here, but they have not appeared on this blog. I forgot that I had turned on the "moderate comments" feature a while ago and then not checked to see if comments were awaiting approval.
Sorry for the n00b mistake. I've been sufficiently humbled. Thanks for the comments... please keep 'em coming.
Doh!

Whew

We must be getting closer to going home.
You know it's going to be hot when you walk past a thermometer on the way back from the showers at 0630 and the temperature is already over 100 degrees.

News Flash . . .

IMG_0968.JPG
Originally uploaded by Kim1998.

. . . Hell just froze over. Here's a picture of my hippie wierdo liberal sister, who I love very much, holding a shotgun.
[cue Mom spitting out her tea]
Don't worry, Mom... Kim must've been aiming at a Republican just out of frame. She's probably saying something like: "Step away from the spotted owl, you facist bastard!"
(note that there is no evidence that she actually fired said weapon)
(also note that there is no need to close one eye while firing a shotgun... it's an "area fire" weapon, girlfriend. There are no sights.)

Oh, one more thing

While I'm busting Kim out (see above), I should probably mention that she now has a Blog of her own, where she writes:

As it stands now, I have yet to tell any of my friends or family that I am keeping this blog, so it's pretty much my own for the time being. Well, my own in that anyone who found it could read it, but I doubt anyone's come looking.

Wrong. Big Brother's always on the lookout. G'head Kim, write... express yourself. Blogging is reasonably fun. (hope more people leave comments for you, though. Readers here are pretty bad about that. Hint hint, nudge nudge, say no more)
update: btw, Kim, you need to turn on comments if you want people other than your "team members" to comment...

Last Photo

Liter
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

So here's the last photo of the cruise. Sarema, Hunter and I enjoyed a late afternoon lunch in the Placa Reial, just off Las Ramblas, on our last day together in the city. When you ask for "a beer," you automatically get a liter of the stuff. Sarema had been really good about abstaining from alcohol while she was pregnant and nursing (almost 1.5 years total), so it was nice for her to be able to have a beer with her meal. My liter-sized glass was filled with Guiness, of course.
The cruise was great and seemed like a long vacation while we were experiencing it. Now it seems like it was too short, but it certainly was an experience of a lifetime. I'm sure Sarema and maybe even Hunter would agree.

La Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

One of the most interesting landmarks we saw in Barcelona, or on the whole trip for that matter, was La Sagrada Familia (or "The Sacred Family") Church. Designed and begun by the modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, the church is hunded totally by donations and has been under construction for over 120 years; it's not "scheduled" to be complete until 2020.
Modernist style applied to a Roman Catholic Church is not something that you see everyday, so it was facinating to walk around it and look at the towers and statues. I'd like to go back and see it once it's completed.

Barcelona

Hello, Room Service?
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

Our last port on the cruise was Barcelona. We said goodbye to the ship after 12 days onboard and found our way to our hotel. Our room was on the eighth floor and overlooked Las Ramblas, a pedestrian mall set in the center of the old part of town. The street performers and shops were very lively and we got watch them from our open window.
The first thing that Hunter did when we hit the room was to order some strawberry yogurt and veggie puffs from Room Service. "Send them up now and charge them to the room. Now, I said!"
He's a sweet kid, but can be so demanding.
:-)

Marseille

Marseille Vieux Port
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

After visting three Italian ports on the cruise (not including our start in Venice), it was time to move on to France. We docked in Marseille and spent an afternoon in the old part of town. Marseille is the second largest city in France, with a population of 1.5 million... so the city is huge. We just hit a small part.
The picture of me and Hunter was taken at the Vieux Port ("Old Port") in the center of the old city / tourist district. Behind us is the port and you can also see the church Notre Dame de la Garde on top of the hill. As you can see from our hairdos, it was quite windy that day; our guide said that was normal for Marseille.
I'm not much of a francophile, so Marseille was kind of so-so for me. The best part about the port call was drinking my first Guiness in six months.

122 degrees

Do you know what 122 degrees feels like? I do. Like an instant sunburn. That's how hot it was yesterday for like 3 hours.
There is a perceptible difference at the 120 degree threshold. Over that mark, you can really feel the difference.
It should be in the 130s before I leave.
Bring the heat. Hotter = Closer to Home.

Livorno and the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Leaning Tower
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

After Rome, we cruised up to the port town of Livorno, Italy, the gateway to Pisa and Florence. It was a beautiful and sunny day, continuing the awesome weather that we had during the entire cruise.
Since Florence was farther away, we decided to stick with visiting Pisa. The town was a major maritime power in the 11th century, rivalling Venice, and was instrumental in the first crusades to the holy land. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is (the most famous) one of three structures in Pisa's Campo dei Miracoli ("Field of Miracles"-the link has a great photo). There is a catherdral, a baptistry, and the Tower, which served as the cathedral's bell tower.
We visited all three buildings and went inside the catherdral and baptistry. We also visited a large, walled cemetary nearby called The Camposanto.
Most importantly for Hunter, though, there was a large field of grass around the baptistry where Dad could relax without the backpack, Mommy could play with him and both of us could watch him run around.

St. Peter's Basilica

Saint Peter's
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

Back to the cruise picture show...
Some places in the world cannot be accurately represented by photographs or descriptions. You have to physically visit the place and drink in the experienece for yourself. Saint Peter's in Vatican City is one of these places. This is basically the Pope's church and has more history and art in it than whole universities do. The interior of this church is almost unbelievable. It has so many sculptures, mosaics, paintings, and gold that it is difficult to drink in, even after spending an hour inside.
Truly awe-inspiring, and as I have already said, descriptions could not do it justice. I suggest you go experience it for yourself.
Sarema almost didn't get a chance to go inside, which would have been tragic. A guard forbade her from entering with bare shoulders, so she thought quickly and used Hunter's jacket as a shawl. A little small, but it worked.

Happy Father's Day, Dad

Thanks for being my dad
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

Thanks for being a great role model.

Father's Day Pool Party

Pool Party
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

Now that Jim is back from Iraq, the members of the Swamp got together for a Father's Day pool party. Randy and Joe gave me a small, inflatable pool before I left on my 12-month "beach trip" to Kuwait, so I decided to put it to good use. Our barracks is surrounded by gravel that would pop the pool, so we were forced to use the concrete slab underneath the large air conditioners out front. The air conditioner gave the added benifit of shade, as well. We forwent a shower yesterday to contribute enough water to fill the pool, which we did by transporting water coolers full of very warm water (that's how it comes out of the tap these days) over to the pool.
The participants were (back row) John, Dave (with ACH), and Jim. I'm obviously up front.
It was great fun splashing around and I even spent some time mostly immersed in the small pool. We hung out until it got too hot (it was over 115 today) and then we bailed for some air conditioning.

Dave and Jim

Dave and Jim
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

Dave and Jim... poolside in Kuwait.

More Cruise Pics

Don't worry; after the weekend, the cruise picture show will resume with Rome.

Father's Day

Father's Day, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
By offering guidance, support, and unconditional love, a father is one of the most important influences in a child's life. On Father's Day, we honor our fathers and celebrate the special bond between a father and a child.
Fathers play a significant role in shaping the character of their children and the future of our country. -snip-
Father's Day also gives us an opportunity to remember the fathers who are currently serving in our Armed Forces. Our Nation is grateful for the courage and sacrifice of the many proud fathers wearing our country's uniform. By advancing freedom and protecting our way of life, these brave individuals are helping to lay the foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

Thanks, Sir, for remembering the dads over here who can't be home with their kids. This is my second Father's Day and my second one away from my son.

Lucky

She should've named the baby "Jumper"

C17 sunrise

C17 sunrise
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

This is a photo taken from the back ramp of a C17 the morning I flew back here. The plane you can see is another C17. These are the most modern cargo aircraft in the Air Force's fleet and can carry lots of stuff, including paratroopers. This was the last airplane I jumped out of during my time in the 82nd Airborne.
If you want the technical details on the C17, you can see here.

Jet-setting

Jet-setting
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

I'm back at my home base now. I had to fly down to an Air Force base to brief at a conference this week. I got lucky and was able to snag a ride on a C-21, better know by it's civilian name: Lear Jet 35A. It was my first time ever in that type of aircraft.
It was by far the most comfortable plane ride that I have ever taken. By chance, I got to sit in the forward-most seat and was able to stretch my legs out (see photo in the post below) and enjoy the ride.
On the way back I had to take a C-17 cargo plane, but it was still very cool to have rode the C-21. I don't plan on making general anytime soon, so it will be awhile before I see one of those executive jets again.

Riding in style

Riding in style
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

inside the C-21 on the way to the conference. by the way, Macs rule.

Admin Note

I will be off post for four days or so, starting tomorrow. Blogging may be light, but I will pick up with the cruise photo show as soon as I can.
An no, Mom, I'm not going to Iraq. Or Afghanistan. Or anywhere else very dangerous. :-)

Rome

Colliseum
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

After Naples, we cruised up the coast for another long day of sightseeing in Rome. Here are Hunter and me in front of the Colliseum in Rome. The Colliseum was HUGE and only 1/3 of the origianl structure is left. People down through the ages used its bricks and marble as building supplies, so only a portion is left.
We also went to the Vactican. I will post a picture of that soon.

Crapolla

Crapolla
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

Thought this was just too funny. (Sarema needed a good laugh after the yogurt incident - see below.)
There is an actual town on the Sorrento peninsula named "Crapolla." I had to take a picture of this map.

Naples, Sorento, and Pompeii

Sorento Farm 1
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

After our day at sea, we docked in Naples, Italy, for a long day of tourism. It would turn out to be longer that we thought it would be, even.
First we went to a small, 4-acre family farm near the seaside resort of Sorrento. We got to sample homemade wine and cheese and tour the farm. This is where we got some of the better pictures of the three of us from the trip (one is currently the banner for the blog).
After the farm, we went shopping and had lunch in Sorrento. Hunter ended up drinking a little too much Yogurt-on-the-go during lunch and upchucked all over Sarema. She had yogurt from her neck to her toes, literallly. After she cleaned up in the bathroom, we rushed out to a shop and bought her a dress so that she could contiue with the day. It's tough being a mommy and Sarema drove on like a champ.
After Sorrento, we went to Pompeii (The link has some good pictures). As wikipedia describes, it "is a ruined Roman city . . . destroyed during a catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The volcano buried the city under many feet of ash and it was lost for 1,600 years before its accidental rediscovery. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire."
I was very impressed with how well the city was preserved. Our guide, Gino (who was the best guide of the cruise - he was hilarious) said that the city was buried under 24 feet of ash very quickly. When they uncovered the city, they found the remains of bread still baking in the oven! You can even see wheel ruts in the cobblestone road made over hundreds of years by Roman chariots. Fantastic.
Other than the yogurt incident, it was a great day. At least Sarema got a new skirt out of the deal.

Farm Picture #2

Sorrento Farm 2
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

This is another picture from that visit to the Sorrento farm.

Happy 4th Anniversary

Sorrento Coast
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

I jumped out of a plane and married the most wonderful woman in the world four years ago today. She's been a trooper and has put up with all most of my crap over the years. In fact, this anniversary is the second one that she has had to spend alone with a screaming midget demanding food, changing, and a bath. She's done a great job being both mom and dad for more than the past 12 months.
Less than two months to go, babe. I'll be home soon.
Happy Anniversary!

Another Day at Sea

Ein Bier Bitte
uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

We had another day at sea between Mykonos and Naples, Italy. We really had the hang of life on the ship by then and tried to relax a little in the sun... Which was hard with a midget who wants to "explore" and innocently cause trouble. Here he is carrying a fine English beer while Mommy tries to bribe him with his play cell phone.
Later that night, we all hit the hot tub together(pictured), which Hunter really seemed to enjoy. He especially liked his little doggy-hooded serape-towel that his great-aunt Joan got for him.

Doggy Blanket
uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

A picture of the cruise ship we sailed on, the Grand Princess, taken from a launch travelling to Delos. The ship has "a maximum passenger capacity of 2600 passengers in 710 staterooms. At the time of her launch, she was the biggest and the most expensive cruise ship ever built (a distinction now carried by the ship Freedom of the Seas)." There were approximately 2,600 crew to attend to our needs, but I never met an American crew member. Most were from Eastern Europe, China, and the Philipines.
Sarema and I thought the ship looked a little bit like a shopping cart, with the handle at the stern (shown on the right side of this picture). The "handle" is actually a nightclub; 120 feet above the water.

Time Out

...for a random moment in Rob's day.
On my iPod, I'm currently listening to Owner of a Lonely Heart, one of my favorite one-hit wonders from the 80s. It's also one of the 475 songs on this list that feature a cowbell.
As Christopher Walken said, "I could've used a little more cowbell."

Mykonos and Delos

Delos-bound
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

After Istanbul, we cruised down to Mykonos, in the Greek Isles. The island has quaint shops, clean beaches, and crystal-clear water; lately, it has become a getway for European rich folks, too.
Next to Mykonos is the island of Delos, where we spent most of the day. The ruins of this important religioius and trading city are remarkably well-preserved... almost as well as Pompeii. We visited several 2,000 year old homes while we were on Delos. Each had beatiful mosaics, fresh water and a sewage system. I was amazed at how well designed and built this ancient city was. I've seen some crappy places in this world, the Delians had things much better than lots of 21st century folks do today.
Hunter did a great job putting up with all the heat and the sun in the backpack. We walked around for 4 hours or so and then came back for a quick visit to the main town on Mykonos. I also got to take a dip in the clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

Turkey

Hunter in the Cabin
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

We didn't go ashore for very long during our first stop in Turkey: Kusadasi. We sailed early from there for Istanbul. The next day, I forgot the battery for my Digital Rebel when we went into Istanbul, so Sarema's camera has all the pictures of St. Sophia's and the Blue Mosque. Wikipedia has some good pictures if you follow the links.
Instead, I've substituted this picture of Hunter giggling in the cabin. We tried to spend as little time in the cabin as possible, but with three or so naps to take each day, we had to be in there a little. Hunter's favorite activities in the cabin were opening and shutting things: the toilet lid, the dresser drawers, the door the to bathroom. He was very fascinated by opening and shutting things for some reason.
Istanbul was a beautiful ancient city. The Blue Mosque was large, ornate, and a little blue (on the inside). The guide told us that when St. Sophia was built in the 6th century, it was the tallest domed building in the world.

Acropolis

Acropolis
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

After Venice, we had a day at sea to get used to life on the ship, then we docked near Athens and went into town. We, of course, saw the Acropolis (pictured) and then went shopping in the Platka section of town. I think Platka is Greek for "tourist trap," but I'm not sure. As you can see in the picture behind my wonderful wife and son, the weather was fantastic. It remained fantastic throughout the entire 12 days.

Sail Away From Venice

Sailaway From Venice
Originally uploaded by Rob Wooldridge.

Sarema, Hunter, and I met up in Frankfurt at the beginning of the trip and then flew to Venice together, where we got a hotel. We boarded the ship and left Venice after two days walking through hundreds alleys and over countless canals. It was a very crowded and small city, but also full of intersting history.
While the ship was in port in Venice, we was the second tallest structure in the city.
Here we are on the 15th deck of the ship, looking out over Venice on the first day of the cruise.

Welcome Back to the Heat

116 degrees today. Welcome back to the desert.
For those of you who've been asking... No, I'm not going to Iraq. The soldiers moving from Kuwait to Iraq are a bunch of active duty Germany-based door-kickers who have been chomping at the bit to put their training to use. I'm not in that crowd. I'm staying put down south here for the next 40ish days until I get on the bird to go home.