22 November, 1985

Hard to believe, but it was 24 years ago today I was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. At the time, I thought that I would serve for 4 or 5 years and then get a "real job." Well, that truth sort of changed and 17 PCS moves, 6 ships and 22 years later I retired from the Navy. I was reflecting on the passing of time since my "retirement" from the Navy as it has been two years this month. It is finally sinking the Navy part of my life is over and my second career with General Electric is well underway.

Cottage Redux

Yesterday, Deirdre and I dropped Samson off at Whiskers for a few days of R&R while we headed to Oscoda to look at another cottage. We saw the cottage at 3PM on Thursday afternoon, and we asked Missy to schedule another viewing for us today at 1oAM. The viewing today was to confirm whether or not we wanted to make an offer on the property. We spent about 30 minutes at the property and we decided to make an offer. We went back to Heritage House Realty and with Missy's help we made a formal offer to the sellers. Now, all we can do is wait for their response. Updates to follow as this develops.

GOTCHA DAY

Today is what we call "Gotcha Day." Two years ago today, we brought home a frightened and skittish dog named Danson. He was a German Shepherd Dog, who had been abandoned by his first family, and found living in a park just south of Grand Rapids. We brought him home and the first few days were quite a challenge. He was fearful, food aggressive and afraid of pretty much anything we did. Deirdre and I did not like his name, so we started to call him Samson and within a few weeks he was responding to that name. Thankfully, I was taking some time off between my Navy career and my next career with GE Aviation, so I had time to work with and train Samson. After about 4 months, something clicked with Samson and he became a sweet and lovable companion dog who is nothing but 95lbs of fur and love. Samson likes nothing more than to curl up on the couch for a canoodle with whomever will rub his belly for a while.

Our sweet and gentle Allie, who left us soon after I got home from the Navy, allowed us to be able to adopt Samson and work with him to bring out the good dog that was hidden inside. As I type this, Samson is chewing on a Nyl-a-bone at my side on the sofa. Yes, Samson is a good dog.

Veterans Day

Today marks my third Veterans Day since I became one. I am amazed at how many thoughtful notes I received from civilian friends thanking me for my service. As the days have gone by since I retired from the Navy, the sacrifices I made fade from my memory, but I do know I made a lot of them in my career. Looking back, I would not have done it any other way. I appreciate all the kind thoughts and words to me this Veterans Day.