Happy Thanksgiving!
First off....I would like to thank everyone for the comments on the last post. It was really great to see all the kind words from literally across the world.
We had our Thanksgiving dinner last night at the Embassy and usually the dining hall is open for a couple of hours for dinner, but last night we had just one seating. This was the first time I had actually sat down with everyone for dinner and it was quite nice. We had turkey, ham and of course pumpkin pie....or at least some kind of pie made from an orange gourd.
When I got back to Afghanistan from leave, I headed down south right away. I spent several days visiting our folks and meeting with the various military commanders. I made it to KAF, CNS, FOB Walton, PHQ headquarters and Police Sub Station 1#.
The group picture above is of me, our Advisory NCO Wendall Ackerson and C/Supt Bob Goodall who we have placed into EUPOL. Also in the photo is the police deputy commander from PSS 1#. I went out with the guys to complete an assessment of the station and meet with the commander. When we arrived first thing in the morning, he was still asleep. Now at first glance you might think this odd...but in Afghanistan, most of the police live right at the police station. They not only get paid to be a police officer, but they also get food and lodging. Not to mention that from a security point of view, they don't tend to go home. After we got him up and were interviewing him in his office, I noticed that he only had one sock on. I thought to myself "at least he could have got dressed properly..." Then during our subsequent conversation I mentioned how brave he and his men are, given all the attacks. At that point his lifted his leg (the one with a sock on it) and put it on his desk and banged his fist against it! He explained how he had lost his leg during an attack on his police station.....shame on me.
One night while I was at CNS I was busy at a meeting when one of our crew came rushing in and asked for my room key. Apparently something was inside my room and crashing around making an awful noise that could be heard outside. Turns out the culprit was a tiny kitten that must have snuck in when I went to close the door to my room. Needless to say, the kitten starting screaming for it's momma once it realized it was locked in....kids!
The last picture is some of our crew down at CNS with hockey legend Guy Lafleur. He was at CNS along with a couple of Ministers and our folks provided a briefing to the group on the training we do at the camp. These are truly outstanding people who are doing a great job...can't you just tell by the smiles on their faces!
Well Goodmorning,I just woke up to find this new post.I am so glad you are back to a some what normal routine.
ReplyDeleteIn Ottawa today the sun is bright and and the air is brisk.I just love the transition to fall.Our yard has so many leaves on the ground today.I am sure I will be raking for awhile.
The picture of Guy Lafleur...Made me think of your road hockey in Kabul...Did you invite him to play a game with you?
Well I hope you have a nice day...Love you Spud
Good to hear from you Son. Kathy will certainly comment on Guy Lafleur, agree with Debra, would make an interesting street hockey game.......Its funny how we make a quick judgement of a situation, only to find out it is way off.....However some people don't stick around long enough or care to find out. You are not one of those.......love you Son........better get cooking for the Mini G8 here, otherwise I will not be prepared and that will never do!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Dave.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Kabul road hockey pics. Mitch had a good laugh.
I will email you a Habs/Leaf joke which will surely be a hit should you encounter another former habs player. Yvan Cournoyer enjoyed it when I shared it with him at a golf tourney.
Be safe my friend.............Mike
Hey, It was nice to have that quick chat this morning. Guy Lafleur, now there is a legend. I remember when I meet him and got my picture taken. He was very down to earth. Soon as I started reading your blog about the guy, I thought to myself he lost his other leg. Uncle Patrick, you should be sending that Habs joke to the true Canadien fan in the family, me.
ReplyDeleteTake care Dave, until next time
Happy Thanksgiving poppa! I am about to go to my third thanksgiving dinner...I am thankful to be loved enough to have 3 dinners to attend! It is beautiful in ottawa this weekend. I thought it was funny about the cat, I think he knew you dislike them the most. Could you call me tommorow morning while Im at work? xoxo
ReplyDeleteSarah
Happy thanksgiving to everyone! I hope im not missing out on grandmas special triffle...
No Sarah you are not missing out on Trifle, that is the Christmas special........Your Dad used to like cats, or maybe it was just dear old cross eyed Sum Fun who thought he was a dog........Beautiful day here as well, maybe next year for Thanksgiving if you are here we could do Trifle, start another Tradition.........Love you all. Grandma
ReplyDeleteHey Mike I have been told you are not my uncle but maybe you could still sent the link to Dave and then he can forward it on to me.
ReplyDeleteSarah you didn't miss Grandma's trifle but you missed Auntie Kathy's pumpkin pie. Everyone said it was good but I think they were being nice.lol
Once again mom great meal.
Which one is Guy Lafluer?
ReplyDeleteI thought it may be the one that Dave beat up on the street in an earlier match, and he was looking for a rematch.
Sounds like something you would make a jacket out of: "Lafluer"
Not sure what an Orange Gourd is either. Sounds like a punishment that needs to be adminstered in a harsh voice.
I was watching the shooting at the Commonwealth Games on the weekend, (still no spectators) and stray dogs were walking around the rifle range, and doing their business. Talk about thrill seekers. I was also watching the push bike road race, (still no spectators) and dogs were running out in front of the bike racers. They is always a stray pet around, its just that most of us do not lock them up in our room Dave.
Just Dazza