IKE

Greg and I are now in Biloxi, MS. We have just started our 3 week stint here with a bang. I flew yesterday into IKE, and am getting ready to fly again tonight. Greg is briefing right now to fly into IKE, so we'll pass each other in the night.

Yesterday, it was getting stronger each pass through it. The strongest winds were over 100 miles from the center, which was very strange. It was easy to find, so it made us look good (I flew with another weather officer, Rich). The eye was only 8 miles across, which is small for a hurricane. Here's what it looked like to us...

Then, on the last fix, the eye wall was visible from outside... it is that dark column on the right of the picture below....

On the way home, we saw the most beautiful sunset. The sunrises and sunsets in storms are the most beautiful I've ever seen.

What did you do on Sunday?

So, last Sunday we had the ENTIRE Zurah Shrine Drum Corps over to our house for an end of the parade season BBQ. It was the last day of the Defeat of Jesse James Days, and the day of the Grande Parade. They were at our house at 11:30am, the parade began at 2:00pm, they came back about 4:30 and the eating began!

Greg made pulled pork, hamburgers, chicken, pasta salad, corn and beans. We ran out of everything! We expected 40 people, planned for 50, but had 70! It was so much fun. We can't wait for next year!! Our friend Kari Kennedy comes all the way from Dallas, TX just for this.

The only thing we request from them is that they play a few songs for us in our backyard. It was a blast!!! Check it out!!!

Home

Yesterday I ran a slow but good 2 miles. I hadn't run in over 2 weeks, due to Typhoon flying and jet lag. OK, too many excuses. The reality is that I'm lazy at heart.

The run felt good. I have a 5K next Sunday, so needed to see how it would go. I didn't want to push it too hard, but felt I could do a 5K with no significant problems. I didn't push it, because my back is hurting again. My hip almost feels like it's out of place. So, I'm easing into this. I'm taking today off, then doing a 5K tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

Greg and I got back from Guam 1 1/2 weeks ago. A day and a half later, Brian and Andy came to town. We had all 3 boys here! However, it wasn't all fun. They came to town because their maternal grandfather just died. It was really good to have all 3 here again.

Now, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. We are having our annual Defeat of Jesse James Days BBQ next Sunday. So, I'm cleaning and gardening for the next week. My spring cleaning always happens in September.

We are also meeting with our Adoption social worker on Friday, and have a home visit with her on Monday. Good thing the house will be clean :)

Working in Guam

OK, there may be some doubt as to whether or not I'm actually working here in Guam. Here's proof...

I really am working here! OK, it wasn't a typhoon, but we are ready for the first one to pop up any day now... any day now... ok, it's slow here. We are flying a invest mission tomorrow though. Maybe we'll finally do some Typhoon flying. I'll let you know when it happens.

By the way, my friend Randy (our Drop) took this picture on our flight today. He laid on top of my palate to do it. It's odd to look up and see someone looking down on you when you're on an airplane.

Guam

Hello all!

You may be wondering why I haven't written in a while. Well, I'm currently in Guam to fly Typhoons. It's very interesting working with at least 20 scientist on our storm missions. We will have only a couple with us on the plane. Our first flight is tonight. It should be fun.

We've seen so many beautiful things out here already. My birthday was on Monday, but back at home it was still Sunday (we are a day ahead of MN here). So, Greg deamed it my 48 hour birthday. He bought me a cake, which we enjoyed with everyone by the pool at the hotel. He's so great!

We went to the Chamoran Village last night, which is the native people's celebration every Wednesday here. Attached is a clip of some of the little girls dancing. It was so cute!

I'll try to be better about updating, but if not then assume I'm saving the world from Typhoons :)

Wagons

I'm back on the wagon... the workout wagon! Saturday, I went for a 2 miles walk with Skeeter the Wonderdog. I was going to run, but my stomach was very upset. So, on Sunday I took the day off too.

So, where is the wagon? It came around the bend today. I almost forgot to go run (really I did). Then, realized I should head out or I'd feel horrible. Out the door I went. I was going to go for a quick 2 miles at 6:30pm. 1/2 mile into it, and I changed my mind. I ran a 5K, and I feel great!

I also got a call today from our Social Worker. She just got our package today, and wanted to set up a meeting. We are going to have our first of 3 meetings with her right after we get back from Guam. Things are finally moving on the adoption front!!!

Well, I'm off to cool down and try to have a healthy dinner. Enjoy your day where ever you are!

Deeann

Allergies or Illness?

So, I do NOT have allergies. My nose is runny and my ears feel strange. However, I had a slight fever yesterday... or was it the change in the A/C. OK, so basically I just don't feel quite right.

On Wednesday, I ran a nice 2 miles. It was a GORGEOUS day out, and the first .5 miles was great! So great, that I was running faster than normal. Then it hit me that I was running faster than normal and I hit a wall. I struggled for the next 1.5 miles. I hate my mind games.

Yesterday I went to the pool. School's out, so it was me and a 60+ lady! I love the summer!!! Like I said, I wasn't feeling right and the swim felt like I was in molasses. It was tough, but I swam 1200 yards before I called it a day.

I plan on swimming again today, because it will be in the low to mid 90s today with thunderstorms. Plus, swimming is more fun!

So, since my last post my friend Kari came out to do a 25K trail race in Afton, MN. So hadn't run more than a 5K in a month, so she didn't have high hopes. She kicked butt though! I was able to see here at the 9.5 mile point and got a great picture. I was so proud of her.

It was great to have her here. We went to the sculpture garden and the science museum. Plus, we relaxed and enjoyed numerous games of Cribbage. So much fun!!

Wish me luck on the next few days of working out. I have to get back on this horse!