Night vision is hard.

It has been awhile since I last wrote b/c I have been gallivanting around the lovely city of Fallujah. Fun times. The transformation of the city has really been remarkable the last three months. Surprisingly, the focus of our effort has been on literally picking up the trash and a general demilitarization of the landscape. I will be the first to tell you that four years of war and strife have taken their toll on the city and the people. However, for the time being, we have turned a corner and are making progress. The professionalism of our Sailors and Marines is very impressive, and I just can't say enough good things about how they are conducting themselves.

Sorry that I don't have any high speed pictures this time. The funny thing about being out w/ the Grunts is that they have a very unique routine of working all night and sleeping during the day. The art of a patrol at night is quite a skill. The whole looking through night vision goggles and staying alert isn't as easy as it looks on play station. I have no shame, as I only fell flat on my face once. The young LCpl behind me asked if I was alright and I replied, "Nope, just feel like an idiot." His response was rather comical ... he walked up to me, looked around and said, "Don't worry about it, sir. I saw Gunny fall once in that same spot." He then scurried back to his spot on the cordon. Needless to say, b/c I am a staff weenie, that is not the kool-aide that I am used to drinking. Additionally, working on electronics in the dark is an adventure. It is especially rewarding when you spend time troubleshooting and discover the source of malcontent is the pesky "on/off" button. Note - I am resisting all urges to make a derogatory Grunt remark.

We did have some fireworks, while I was out and about - but nothing really worth discussing. I guess that means that I have acclimated to the environment. The really good news of the past few days is that CY of the Padres made the all-star game and did so by the large effort on your part. I appreciate it very much; however, I am sure that CY is cashing in that check. My prediction for the Padres appears to be on track for 50 wins at the break. I really hope that Bradley is the answer in left field. I still think that we need a big bat and should spend the money to get such a player. The 31 July deadline is looming, and I think that the most practical situation is that we get someone during the off-season. And, in the "you heard it hear first category," Hensley will replace Germano in the rotation after the all-star break. Nice story - but the truth is that Germano has been getting killed recently.

Byron, congrats on series 7 - I'll bite and admit that I have no clue what you are talking about. Formal tests, exams, whatever all stink. I'm glad that school isn't in session for me anymore. The classroom isn't my environment.

Sean - you alive? Where the heck are you? Talk to me goose.

Only 13 days left until I am back in the states ... not that I am counting.