Lots To Be Thankful For

Thanksgiving was of course a little sad around here as everyone wants to be with family during the holidays. But, we’re all in the same boat, so there wasn’t too much moping around. The beautiful 78 degree cloudless day set a pleasant tone. As much as folks could, they made an easy day of it. But most people can’t completely take a break from the war. Patrols went as usual.

The Dining Facility (DFAC) staff went all out and dressed the place to the nines. It takes a lot of effort to give what is essentially a warehouse any ambiance. But I think they did that. There were tables of fruit, carved and arranged, a life-size teepee, streamers, enormous cakes for each of the resident units and several giant cakes that were bigger than my desk at work. The highlight of the décor was a village, made of food items, and its centerpiece, an ornate white icing cathedral. (I wish I could have taken photos of all this but cameras are not allowed in the DFAC. See previous blog entry.)

The food was great, and below is copy of the program. (The “wine” was actually sparkling grape juice – General Order No.1 was still in effect!)

I was thankful beyond measure to have a great group of people to enjoy the meal with. Our whole office went and managed to get a table together, and one of my good friends from across the base drove down to share the meal with us. That made the day for me.

You can get through anything with your friends.

-Toonces

A Sign You Might Be in Iraq 2

Hope this finds you healthy and happy this Thanksgiving week. There is a lot to be thankful for. It sounds corny, but just living in America is a great blessing. Many people around the world would trade places in a heartbeat and can only dream of the privileges and lifestyle we enjoy. They would give a lot to live just one day in our shoes.

You only need to read of the great challenges we face in Iraq to realize how hard it is to build democratic institutions, to establish the rule of law, to protect human rights. It didn’t happen overnight in the United States, and it won’t happen overnight here in Iraq.

On a lighter note, here’s your sign.
Heat meter. (Not be confused with Fun Meter.) I told you it was hot.

For the culturally impaired.

Look at all the fun things to do in Iraq! It’s practically Club Med. Oh yeah, pool’s closed.

How far to the nearest bottle of Wild Turkey?

This one wins top honors because you have to know the policy already in order to interpret the sign. (You can’t have the first or the second line, but must have the third line, in order to do the fourth line.)

And a bonus sign for Turkey Day. I can’t speak to this tasty-looking bird’s origin, but I can guess its fate.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Toonces