A pair of waterspouts off the starboard bow during a big storm.
The RHIB that the VBSS team takes to go out an inspect/interact with other vessels in the area.
The life of an empty nester in a Kansas City suburb.
Below is the debis field and the median that #2 went over before he got stopped. The CD's car can be seen in the distance.
He is a Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class. His rating is STG2. This means that he is an operator and electronics technician responsible for sonar systems on his ship, a destroyer.
He has been receiving special training to be part of his ship’s VBSS team. He began the training last year with SRF-B (Security Reaction Force – Basic) training. Earlier this year he completed SRF-A (Security Reaction Force – Advanced) training. The last of the training is the actual VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) training and he completed the course just last week.
The Navy has trained him well. He has moved what belongings he can take with him back on the ship. He has new boots and ship-board uniforms. His iPod is loaded with music and videos. All of his personal business is taken care of. Now, if Mom and Dad could just feel as ready as he does!
He will be at sea for six months. He told me he would love to get cookie care packages. I have been researching recipes for cookies that ship well and how to best pack them. From what I have found, people have cookie care packaging down to quite an art!
Stone Brewing Co. is a local micro brewer that has grown up to be a big player in Southern California. My favorite is a beer called "Arogant Bastard" the subtitle on the label says, "You're not worthy". It might be my favorite beer ever.