In the Storm

june bold intentions

 

Before I get to my June Bold Intentions, I'm curious to see how I did for May (especially since I haven't attempted a monthly challenge like this in a while. Did it move me to reach my goal?

Swim 3 times this month - I swam 2 times (at the Aquatic Center in Savannah). My first swim was 800 meters (about 1/2 mile) without stopping.

Create something, anything - Except for numerous scrapbooking pages, I created nothing.

Begin my photo project - Nope!

So, I didn't do so hot.

I'm not giving up though I'm going to try again this month and see if I can't reach my goal for the month with bold intentions. Here goes!!!

1) Swim 4 times!!!! Yep, I think I can do this. I have set up a punch card at the Aquatic Center and on Friday's I get off of work an hour early so I'm hoping to make that my must swim day.

2) Read 3 books. Gonna' take it slow this month and see if I can fall into a leisurely pattern of reading my summer away, even if it's out loud to the boys.

3) Begin the big photo project. My goal for the year is to finish this project. My year is almost half way done. If I'm gonna' do this I need to work this project into my schedule. Must work this project into my schedule...repeat.

4) Make one set of cards. I've been pinning card inspirations lately and I'd love to pull out my card making supplies and create away. We'll see.

52 Gratitudes 2015 | 23

meteorology story book | 6

While I didn't gain observing experience my second tour at Offutt AFB I did gain coveted leadership and supervisory experience through the position of supervisor over many airmen, unheard of for my rank (while others far outranked me were supervising no one). It was there at Offutt AFB that I was mentored and encouraged to continue my meteorology training and Weather Forecasting School. After being selected for Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School, again, far ahead of others who outranked me, I headed back to Chanute AFB for the grueling 6-month weather forecasting course.

meteorology story book | 5

I left Offutt AFB map factory for another map factory in Europe at 2nd Weather Squadron in Vogelweh (Army Barracks), Germany. I garnered experiences in hand-plotting local area work charts for weather forecasters. I became quite proficient at the art of plotting, and it was an art with speed; so much so I could plot a weather observation station model plot in the size of a dime. While in Germany, I was transferred to Zweibrucken Air Base and was afforded my first opportunity to put my limited observers skills to work; and was able to learn the fine art of weather observing. I found I enjoyed weather observing immensely, but my opportunity would be short lived as I was transferred in 1986, mid-tour, back to Offutt AFB, NE and Air Force Global Weather Central.

meteorology story book | 4

I enjoyed my job most, in those early days of my military and meteorology career, while working at Air Force Global Weather Central, when I assisted the Severe Weather Forecast section. Here, I plotted weather observation reports, especially severe weather reports. These, in turn, assisted the severe weather experts in issuing weather warnings and advisories for the entire United States.

Little meteorological training went into this aspect of my career except I valued the importance of the weather observation, which stayed with me my entire career, never taking for granted what the weather observations of those times provided a meteorologist such valuable information.

By the way, the cloud photos in my Meteorology Story Book are all taken by me (except one or two by Jeff). The photo on this page is the mid cloud altocumulus. I am not sure why, because I've seen some beautiful skies but altocumulus is my favorite cloud, especially when it's covering most of the sky in a single layer.

stories 2015 | people watching

It's not because we're getting older. It's just because we enjoy people watching immensely. We don't get bored doing it either. We can sit outside a little café like we did, both Friday and Saturday evenings in Charleston at a sweet café on East Bay Street in the heart of the historic district with a French Quarter flare. Carmella's Café and Dessert Bar. We enjoyed the precious young lady we had for a waitress both evenings we visited the café and got to know her just a bit by conversing with her when she brought us our coffee.

Each night we spent a couple hours enjoying the lowering sun, not yet sunset which dropped the temperatures to upper 70's with a cool breeze as we were so close to the water. Both nights we caught the same table in the opened doors of the café and drank cup after cup of POC.

That was how Jeff ordered our coffee: Two POC's. That had the waitress giving that blank stare of confusion, and me shaking my head understanding Jeff's humor. In non-Jeff humor, Plain Ole' Coffee. Friday night we had a side of a pretty decent Carrot Cake (although not as good as my Aunt Shirley's recipe) and we...

People Watched.

We watched people coming and going, finding seats in nearby restaurants and then getting up to leave, caught interesting smidgeons of conversation from passers by, and checked out the way women dressed. We saw bridal party after bridal party of bachelorette's wearing from matching t-shirts to matching little black dresses.

Jeff and I didn't necessarily have to converse but when we did it was good and quality conversation or to share a laugh at something we'd seen. No pressure. No hurry. Just him and me. And the people we watched.

memorial day.

I appreciate the enduring sacrifices of every veteran who has served. But, today is a day to remember and reflect on those who  have paid the ultimate sacrifice, those who have lost their lives securing our freedom. Lest we never forget.

 

 

travel review of charleston south carolina | butcher & bee

We drove into downtown Charleston, via King Street, just in time for lunch. I'd been searching Trip Advisor and travel guides of Charleston, South Carolina on the internet the previous week prior to our trip, and found this hip new place on King Street with unusual sandwiches and other delightful sounding fares. We had no trouble finding the place and excitedly, found a parking place next to the commercial complex where the Butcher & Bee is located under the over pass where it was breezy and cool.

We were thrilled at the eclectic décor, family style - no - reunion style seating where one sits down wherever you can find enough seats together, rolling extra long tables with unique high seats fashioned from old tractor seats and surprisingly to me (but not to Jeff, my farmer, come special operations soldier, come facilities manager, come construction superintendent) really comfortable. The tables, the chairs, the gutted redone overhead opened ceiling, and upper level rail system was an industrious, analytical, working man's delight - and Jeff was in heaven. He - we fell hard for the Butcher & Bee atmosphere.

And then there was the food!!!!

From their adventurous, daring, and delightful ever-changing daily menu written on a large chalkboard Jeff ordered the Cuban and I had the Roast Beef, seemingly familiar sandwiches...until you take a bite (and thankfully, two sandwiches that they have on their menu regularly). They were amazing! They were by far the best meal we had in Charleston all weekend. I kid you not!

The Roast Beef. Bibb, Roasted Tomato, Miso Mayo, Smoked Onion Jam, and Chimichurri.

I think it was the smoked onion jam that set this massive roast beef sandwich on a soft chewy, golden brown, baked-to-perfection Kaiser roll apart. The sweet with the savory was simply mouthwatering to-die-for. Oh my! We've been home over a week and I can still taste my roast beef sandwich. In a really good way. Like, can we just drive to Charleston and have lunch at the Butcher & Bee.

52 Gratitudes 2015 | 22

stories 2015 | destination here

We (Jeff and I) visited Charleston, South Carolina for our 21st wedding anniversary celebration and a much needed restful and rejuvenating weekend at the Palmers Pinkeney Bed & Breakfast in the downtown historic district, a frequent place for us to stay.

While the Pinkeney needs a lot of tender loving care, it is in the heart of history, the beds are comfortable (and they are king sized), and it's private piazza is lovely for morning coffee or making plans for our days activities, as the city awakens. And yes, we heard the city awakening as we were on the first floor, near street level.

Our room has that old world southern charm and the table lamps are hideous. Jeff even commented, "The lamps are still here!" Truly hideous lamps.

Since the Bed & Breakfast for us is mostly its location we just aren't complaining. I do so wish the owners would give it some lovin' though. Unbelievably, we were able to find a parking space just steps away from the B & B. Parking is not free (about $20 a day if your car sets still) but we happened upon a broken meter, called the number to log it out (leaving our name and phone number) and left a note on our truck. But, alas, all weekend, no meter maid appeared.