Aaron has called and given us more info. It was 100 degrees in Katar when he got off the plane at midnight. Today it's 115...and all he can see is sand and rocks. Their time is 7 hours ahead of us...so 5:30 p.m. when Sis gets off work...will be 12:30 a.m. Katar time.

Something neat happened on his way over when the plane stopped in Maryland. A group of 60 retired vets met the plane with a ton of home cooked food for the guys and gave them their cell phones to use. The guys really appreciated it.

He said he thinks the food will be OK...and he's very excited about an ice cream sundae bar.

Today was really nice here...warm and sunny and Sis took me to see the Williamsburg open air farmers market. It's right next to historic Williamsburg. The market was fabulous with amazing foods, cheese, handmade soaps...but here's the most interesting part...dogs were everywhere. It's very pet friendly and everyone brings their pooches on a leash. It looked like the Westminster Kennel Show! It was great. Then we took a walk down the historic streets...saw the old shops, the old church...and the folks dressed in colonial garb. They were fun to talk to...they really stay in character.

Stopped by the Bx...that was interesting! Would you believe they have Coach and Dooney handbags!!! Lancome and Lauder make-up...and a GNC that sells Strivectin face and eye cream... all at a discount! Really! Couldn't believe it.....I'm joining the Air Force!

Just chillin' tonight...watching a little Notre Dame football ( you should see Barney in his Notre Dame jersey)...had some pizza...and then a video.

So thankful for a job that allows me to do this. Will spend tomorrow with Sis and then drive back on Monday and to work Tues, Wed, and Thurs.

That's all for now from Langley.
Love, Sue

You've got it, Revelry!!!...6:30 a.m. and I hear...do do doodle do...do do doodle do...do do doodle do ...do dooooooo do! Even I had to smile...yes, at that hour .

As I promised Aaron, I was on my knees at 7:00...and will be each morning til he's home. If anyone can join me then or at another time...please let me know.

Looked up at 7:15 a.m. and saw my little girl, Baby Nita,...all grown up...coffee in hand, freshly starched white coat on over her scrubs...Dr. Anita S. Leis... Obstetrics and Gynecology stitched on her pocket. That beautiful smile is still there...and she leaves to go and help bring new life into this world. At the same time, I know there's a little blonde also in scrubs...in an OR in Louisville...working her socks off...to learn and help someone get through their surgery today. I know there are things that we need to fix in healthcare, absolutely, but we still get a lot more right...than we do wrong. And I believe with all my heart that it is an honorable calling. We just need a medical Oprah to get out "our" story!

9:40 a.m. Unbelievable sounds...Sis warned me...It's an F-18 taking off! Wow! Unbelievable!!!

There still is a lot of good that's going on...

More later.......
Love, Sue

5:00 p.m. Everything stops on the base as the National Anthem is played. Mititary personnel get out of their cars and salute. Sis stands with her hand over her heart.

5:40 p.m. Aaron calls...he's arrived safely in Katar. He said that he in a room with 4 guys that's smaller than a dorm room. Sis said..."back to your roots, baby...back to your roots!" The CCAT team is out on a mission right now.

6:00 p.m. Talked with Aaron's momma, Linda Leis. Sis called to give her the update. Got to chat with her a bit. Told her that we have to have one big party when Aaron comes home!



9:50 p.m. Oops...Got the wrong number. It was an F-22 that went overhead this morning. Will get to see them from a distance tomorrow. Aaron called about an hour ago. He had something to eat and a couple of beers with the guys and was going to "hit the rack!" as they say!!!

Time to watch a movie with Sis.
Good Night...Love, Sue

Today @ 5 p.m., Aaron and his team deployed for the Middle East. He flew from here to a military airport in Maine. He will fly from there to Ireland. Then he'll go to his destination, Katar, which is a base in northern Saudi near the Iran-Iraq border. If everything goes according to plan, he'll get there around 1 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.
At this point they are still telling him 4 months. He's worked hard to get his team ready. I'm sure he'll do a great job. Sis said most of their missions will be at night.

I arrived in good shape with Mitzi and Opal. They were funny this morning...it was Mizi, Opal and Momma. I could tell what they were thinking..."Oh goody, a road trip! And we've got the ole' girl all to ourselves!" They did great.

Once here, Sis met me at the gate...got a pass for me...and we drove to her house. It's adorable. Built in the 1920's with tall ceilings and a darling double Dutch front door. She did a wonderful job decorating. She painted everything ...white woodwork, white ceilings and walls done in Eddy Bauer colors...wicker, mango and canary yellow. It's one great design on a dime success!

Barney has been a good host and shared his fenced in backyard with the girls. Unfortunately, Mitzi didn't want him to get up on "his" couch and snapped at him! Keep in mind...Barney weighs nearly 30 lbs...and Mitz is 3 1/2! We all knew who would run the show!!!

Sis is doing good tonight...but this is going to be tough.
All for now from Langley.
Thank you for keeping the kids (...all of them A&A&B&D&B:) in your prayers...Love, Sue

Talked with Aaron tonight. Things have been busy for him getting ready to go. At this point, everything is scheduled for the deployment to take place tomorrow. On the tarmac at noon and fly out at 5 p.m. However... ,there is an issue with passports. It seems they are not in order. The paperwork was express mailed to get things completed. I mentioned that knowing the military, things could be cancelled and he could ship out 3 weeks from now. He laughed and absolutely agreed. The tough part is...emotionally, he has to get prepared to leave tomorrow. He and Sis were heading out for a dinner date tonight.

In light of the problem with the passports, I asked Sis if she wanted me to wait and see what happens before I leave HHI? She said no, come tomorrow.

So, I'll be up at 6...pack...get Mitz and Opal in my buggy...and head to Langley. It's 500 miles...so, if the roads are "clear sailing", I figure about 8 hours.

Will have my laptop with me, so will let you know what
happened.

You will have his address as soon as I do, so that you can send cards and notes to him. Will start up what I call the "Mail Ministry!"...which consists of cards, letters and care packages.

Thoughts of Aaron heading over to the Middle East are so worrisome. Even a remote possibility of something happening to him make this very difficult.

'til tomorrow...
Good Night...Love, Sue

At TFM today...it was day! A young man came in today...requesting roses and help. He was getting married tonight! Then, in comes another fellow...he wanted help with his 25th anniversary. Got them both all fixed up with Roses...rose petals...champagne...and chocolate covered strawberries!

Talked with Sis...Aaron's deployment is still set for Thursday. I'll be leaving HHI with Mitzi and Opal at 6 a.m. and head up to Norfolk.

We may be moving. I'm checking out a blog on Google that would allow me to add pictures. Will try it and then let you know.

Please keep the kids in your prayers.
Thank you...Love, Sue