Category Archives: Military

Sock Heels

Heidelberg, the last of the three Army Hospitals here in Germany changed command today. The outgoing commander is a long standing friend. Normally, one of the Army bands provides music. But they are on block leave. A CD over the … Continue reading

Posted in Knitting, Military, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Walking Home

You really don’t need to see many more of these pictures. Where yet another Army Health Clinic (Budigen) has its colours retired with a reception afterwards. This feels like 1993/4 all over again. Only this time it is not because … Continue reading

Posted in Home, Military, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Field Expedient

It was early, really early, this morning. I can blame that, can I not? For heading off to work the day of our Change of Command with my backpack, camera and sock. The Serpentine Sock from Sockmania as a matter … Continue reading

Posted in Knitting, Military, socks, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Cultural Differences and late sunsets.

The sun is setting late – and the light was glowing golden this evening about a quarter to 10. Marit posted about their Midsummer Night Bonfire on the 24th. It put me to thinking about 1998 and my six months … Continue reading

Posted in Home, Military, socks, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Field Duty – running full out

Everyone has returned from the pause. Those who were released to go home for graduation ceremonies this weekend are back at their desks, along with all of those who spent the weekend out on the various firing ranges and tables. … Continue reading

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Field Duty – they are in the rain

But not me. I am not out on the range or tables getting soaked. Of course, it was not raining when they left this morning before 0800 packed like sardines into the blue bus to bounce over back roads on … Continue reading

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Field Duty РCach̩

Like families, military operations have certain key words or phrases that become inside jokes. What is common, although not obvious, is that most of the word play and slaughter starts with a non-English language word. Take cache. It means a … Continue reading

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Field Duty – some are sleeping

Have you ever slept on a Coleman blow-up air mattress? Let me give you a hint – these are about 6 inches thick when blown up. Air distributed between a number of cells. And it is not possible to punch … Continue reading

Posted in Arches&Doors, Books & Tapes, Military, socks, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Field Duty – heat and hot

What normally happens after a few days in the field is that tempers start fraying, especially as the temperature rises. With the new ACU, the only authorized way to wear the uniform is with the sleeves down. As a result, … Continue reading

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Field Duty – Graf spots

Shapes repeat across the landscape in early morning. Some peaks for the body, some for the spirit. It has kicked off, the Mission Readiness Exercise for 1AD. Rather than being a rated exercise, this is designed to help a unit … Continue reading

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Field Duty – last sane day

Military This is our last day of preparation, and the exercise goes hot tonight. I figure to be getting enough sleep, unless one of the controllers is completely off the wall and decides to start something stupid in the middle … Continue reading

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Field Duty – getting around

The bus is a Thomas, rather than a Blue Bird but the principle is the same. Rows of hard narrow seats that you can hardly stay on as the bus corners, just the same as in childhood. Never large enough … Continue reading

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Field Duty – they ALL want socks!

It has been another quiet day. Switching to 24 hour ops means that there are fewer people hanging out in the room. Still does not mean that we have a whole lot to do till the formal part of the … Continue reading

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Field Duty – Night Visitors

Camp Algiers There seems to have been a night time visitor to my vehicle. Maybe more than one, I was not able to tell with exact accuracy, but some four footed critter used my car for a launch pad to … Continue reading

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Field Duty – calm before the storm

Military We are in our last days of doing paperwork before switching to 24 hour operations. What is my role? Whatever the unit needs me to do. I am perfectly capable of taking over night shift and knitting all night, … Continue reading

Posted in Arches&Doors, Military, socks, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Field Duty – Socks in the Room

Military Sitting in the surgeon’s shop, I am working on socks while we discuss all of our procedures and documents. If I was willing to take orders, there would be a line out the door. Last evening we were entertained by … Continue reading

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Field Duty – Billeting

Military Picture in your mind a long open bay of sleeping space with a door in each end that opens to the outside. There are overhead lights and windows on the outer wall that open. The inner wall is shared … Continue reading

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Field Duty 1- Tuesday

Military There is an old saying – If it is not raining, it is not training. Well, this morning we had it in spades. 1AD is doing their deployment prep. Part of that is a rather large exercise out in … Continue reading

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Memorial Day

The rain comes down softly. Not salty of tears but fresh to wash the grief of those standing silent. With respect and memory, the pebbles are placed. Yesterday I placed money in a contribution container. Sitting at a table with … Continue reading

Posted in Military, Prose, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Well, it did not really rain.

To be honest, this was one of those days at work best put out of mind as soon as possible. Long meeting in the morning followed by commute with car (I am so glad the CD player was willing to … Continue reading

Posted in Military, Uncategorized | 4 Comments