This year's Father's Day gathering was graced by spring-like weather and scrumptious lasagna and garlic bread. Sadly, this was Olivia's last day with us for the summer. She and her mom are moving to Portland, Oregon. Claire, as photographer, took on the task of portraitist and as usual caught some real beauties.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Solar Charger for Lee
After Ike's post about Lee (see just below) I was thinking about living without electricity in Afghanistan. Wow! But of course, the workaround is solar, and I assume there is plenty of sun out there.
This is the device I've come across in the past as the must have charger for all of our now "essential" devices--whether you're in the mountains of Afghanistan or riding out a disaster here at home--the Solio--and you can find out all about it here. The SolioMG, in my opinion, seems the most rugged, durable and powerful and costs about $170. If anyone knows of a better option, be sure to chime in.
This is the device I've come across in the past as the must have charger for all of our now "essential" devices--whether you're in the mountains of Afghanistan or riding out a disaster here at home--the Solio--and you can find out all about it here. The SolioMG, in my opinion, seems the most rugged, durable and powerful and costs about $170. If anyone knows of a better option, be sure to chime in.
Anyway, thought I might jimmy up (sorry, Jim, don't know where that came from) a new thing here on the Sink. I've patched in a "Donate" button on the sidebar that goes directly to a PayPal account to purchase the device for Lee. Very easy to use, but of course, if you think the whole thing is too cheeky for you, do your own thing.
Comments?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Update on Lee
Hello all,
Lots of info about Lee's doings and whereabouts.
Back in May he was still at Camp LeJeune, NC and knew that he would be headed to Afghanistan toward the end of the month.
His inevitable departure date and time was not confirmed up until the last day or so. The twist in all this is that he was pretty sure that he and his unit would be flying into Bangor International Airport and then going on to Ireland-Germany-??
While I was all prepared to be at the airport at 3:00am to meet him I got a call from Lindy who had been in constant text message contact with him. At about 1:00am she informed me that she had lost contact with him. This could mean only one thing, he had left Carolina and headed straight over the Atlantic.
Long story short, his Mom and I were not able to see him off.
He headed straight to Germany and then on to a base in Kyrgyzstan where he stayed for several days.
At this point I figured the only communication we would have would be letters and packages.
Lo' and behold one afternoon I got a call from Lee and even though he was halfway around the world it sounded like he was next door...I was excited, to say the least. It was 2 in the morning there so he sounded a bit groggy but was good to hear his voice.
Apparently, upon arrival at the base in Kyrgyzstan all the troops are given a really great Care package with all kinds of goodies and a calling card with 100 minutes on it...very cool!!
This morning I got another call from Lee (again, sounded like he was right next door) to inform me he is in Afghanistan. Presently he is at a base comprised of US, Danish, British, Afghan troops.
I asked him if there were rivalries among the different nationalities and he said no. He said each group is interested in picking the brains of the others on military matters etc.
He said the British Army was a bunch of fat slobs but the British Royal Marines were sharp and tough as nails.
He will be there for days? weeks?
His eventual destination seems to be the frontier in southern Afghanistan near the confluence of the Pakistan/Iran/Afghan border.
Of course, time and location stuff is sensitive in the military. This is my best attempt at giving some generalities but keeping in mind they may be completely different from reality.
His unit has been designated an expeditionary unit because they will be the first Marines in that area and will be responsible for setting the stage for furture units.
I have listed his address below in hopes of people taking some time to send him letters and/or packages.
Sounds like books are a hot commodity and maybe some non-perishable food goodies (candy, etc).
He also will be in need of AA baterries. He has an iPod and I'm gonna send him an iGo so he can recharge it because there will be little to no electricity where he'll be.
For those of you who are more up on all the hand held iPods etc, if you can think of something else that might supplement his iPod that would be great.
Long update but that seems to be all for now,
Love to all,
Ike
P.S.
I wasnt aware but letters and packages to Lee are the same cost as mailing in the US
PFC Morgan, Lee R.
2/8 Golf Co. 2nd Plt
Uniti 73240 FPO
AE 09510-3240
Lots of info about Lee's doings and whereabouts.
Back in May he was still at Camp LeJeune, NC and knew that he would be headed to Afghanistan toward the end of the month.
His inevitable departure date and time was not confirmed up until the last day or so. The twist in all this is that he was pretty sure that he and his unit would be flying into Bangor International Airport and then going on to Ireland-Germany-??
While I was all prepared to be at the airport at 3:00am to meet him I got a call from Lindy who had been in constant text message contact with him. At about 1:00am she informed me that she had lost contact with him. This could mean only one thing, he had left Carolina and headed straight over the Atlantic.
Long story short, his Mom and I were not able to see him off.
He headed straight to Germany and then on to a base in Kyrgyzstan where he stayed for several days.
At this point I figured the only communication we would have would be letters and packages.
Lo' and behold one afternoon I got a call from Lee and even though he was halfway around the world it sounded like he was next door...I was excited, to say the least. It was 2 in the morning there so he sounded a bit groggy but was good to hear his voice.
Apparently, upon arrival at the base in Kyrgyzstan all the troops are given a really great Care package with all kinds of goodies and a calling card with 100 minutes on it...very cool!!
This morning I got another call from Lee (again, sounded like he was right next door) to inform me he is in Afghanistan. Presently he is at a base comprised of US, Danish, British, Afghan troops.
I asked him if there were rivalries among the different nationalities and he said no. He said each group is interested in picking the brains of the others on military matters etc.
He said the British Army was a bunch of fat slobs but the British Royal Marines were sharp and tough as nails.
He will be there for days? weeks?
His eventual destination seems to be the frontier in southern Afghanistan near the confluence of the Pakistan/Iran/Afghan border.
Of course, time and location stuff is sensitive in the military. This is my best attempt at giving some generalities but keeping in mind they may be completely different from reality.
His unit has been designated an expeditionary unit because they will be the first Marines in that area and will be responsible for setting the stage for furture units.
I have listed his address below in hopes of people taking some time to send him letters and/or packages.
Sounds like books are a hot commodity and maybe some non-perishable food goodies (candy, etc).
He also will be in need of AA baterries. He has an iPod and I'm gonna send him an iGo so he can recharge it because there will be little to no electricity where he'll be.
For those of you who are more up on all the hand held iPods etc, if you can think of something else that might supplement his iPod that would be great.
Long update but that seems to be all for now,
Love to all,
Ike
P.S.
I wasnt aware but letters and packages to Lee are the same cost as mailing in the US
PFC Morgan, Lee R.
2/8 Golf Co. 2nd Plt
Uniti 73240 FPO
AE 09510-3240
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)