Playing Rip Van Winkle

 With the intent of 'selling' it when I got out of the Navy, I had been saving up my accrued leave (vacation) so I had a 'little' bit saved up, over 30 days.  So with my recent 'appointment' as Indoctrination Officer, and have a little time before I had to assume that position and start the task of 'receiving' new reports, I decided to take a vacation!  So I put in for 'time off,' 30 days worth of it, I thought for sure that  would be 'enough' time to head back home to Houston, and have a taste of 'life.'  


It wasn't that memorable of a vacation, after all, I was just going home, there were no memorable events or 'snapshot' moments worth capturing for a lifetime of memories.  The entire experience was though noteworthy and in some ways very memorable.  To say the least, it 'wore' me out!  


Having been gone from home, all the people and all the 'things' of home, my time was to say the least 'full.'  Being a sailor, life 'was all about' the party, which is pretty much the way it had been in the days and years before I went into the Navy.  So it was easy to 'go back' and pickup where I had left off essentially. Though I had been gone for a couple of years, it was not enough time so that anyone had really 'grown up.'  That coupled with the fact I was back, the trip home became one big party.  Then, as now, the biggest socializing habit seemed to revolve around alcohol.  And it was no different with me being home.


Every night there was somewhere to go, someone to see - reason for the party to continue!  My drink of 'choice' in that day was Jack Daniels on the rocks with a beer back, with a couple of shocks of tequila mixed in!  With a seemingly cast iron stomach and liver, a 'liquid diet' was often time the norm for me.  Along with all the socializing and partying came a lot of late hours and miles.


Although I had four weeks of leave schedule, at the end of three weeks, I was ready to call it 'done' and made plans to go 'home' back to the ship and a sedate and dry life!  After three weeks of 'living' the life I had left and missed, I was ready to be back to the live I had come to know, so I packed my bags and got on the 'silver bird' and made my way back to the ship and reported back on board, three weeks to the day since I had left and still with one week to 'burn.'  That week turned out to be a blessing!


Before I had left on leave, after accepting the I-Doc assignment, I had received 'ownership of all the divisional spaces.  Most notably at the moment, the small berthing space that would be that of the "I" Division staff.  As it was a Sunday and late when I got back on board, checking in could wait until the next morning, so I made my way to the new berthing compartment that was to be my 'room' for the next few months.  Since I had not 'chosen' my staff yet, the compartment was empty and I had it to myself!  As soon as I got into the compartment, I 'jacked' down the thermostat on the A/C as low as it could go!  Now thermostats on the ship aren't like 'normal' thermostats.  So when I turned it down to 50, 50 is what the temperature got down to - at least it was a good test of the A/C in the room!  And it passed.  


With the door locked, the A/C 'jacked' down, I made my way to the 'rack' [bed] and after undressing climbed in, closed the curtain and turned out the light!  Trust me, lights out there produce dark unlike anything most people ever experience until the lights 'go out' permanently!  The kind of dark, where you can put your hand in front of your face and not even know it is there until you touch your nose!


Being 'set' and ready for a nice slumber, it was a matter of moments and I was out!  'Dead to the world.'  And I slept.  And slept. and slept.  When I finally woke up, I made my way out of the compartment and stumbled to the head [toilet],  It was 'quiet' on in the passageway and I did not 'run' into anyone for awhile.  This seemed normal to me, after all I had came on board on Sunday night, the ship was in the yard so a lot of people would be on vacation and away for other things, life on board would not be normal at the time, there would not be a lot of people or a lot noise.


While I stood at the sink shaving or whatever it was that found me there - a shipmate walked in and I inquired as the time of day.  When he told me it was around 2100 on Sunday night, I exclaimed that it could not be!  It was about the same time on the same day of the week that I cam back on board ship - I know that I had to have been asleep longer than just a few minutes!  So I had to 'press' him and inquire as to the date.  When he told me the date all I could do was shake my head in amazement!  It had been a solid week that I had been asleep!


So after I finished my shower, I headed back to the compartment and wondered what to do.  After all it was Sunday night, most everyone was gone and there wasn't a whole lot to do, so what did I do?  I climbed back in my rack, this time setting my alarm to get up the next morning and went to sleep!

Indoctrination Divison

Without a doubt, my tour in the Navy was an experience, some good and some bad.  Though I would be remiss in admitting I 'hated' the first six weeks - boot camp - without a doubt and more than once found myself thinking of ways to get out!  Another story, for another time.

For the most part, Navy life agreed with me and I adapted to it pretty well in most regards.  Through my adaption and acceptance, I fared and advanced pretty well.  It wasn't without notice and reward by others either.  In as short as time as possible, I had advance to E5, 2nd Class Petty Officer and was in line for the 'next step' when I left.  Along with the advancement an an enlisted man, I also had recommendations for becoming a warrant officer and a commissioned officer.  To say the least, my Navy 'career' had proved to be good in many ways!

The 'biggest' and most prestigious accomplishment of my 'career' had to be my appointment as the Indoctrination Division Office [I Doc].   This position was normally assigned to a junior commissioned offer, but I had been recommended and given the position. It turned out to be not only a privilege, but in many ways and indoctrination of my own in a whole 'new' world!  I Div was the place 'everyone' reported when first reporting aboard the ship and being in the shipyards meant a bevy of new reports, some 'old hands' and some still wet behind the ears!  

There are probably a 'million' stories I can tell about experiences encountered during my time as I Doc Officer, the important thin, for now is for you to know that I was, as it sets the 'stage' for some other relevant events that occurred before I 'left' the Navy. Now my appointment to I-Div officer, came about the time that I 'seriously' considering my fate and whether to 'stay or go.'  While it was a warranted assignment and one which I was and proved to be more than capable, it was also meant to be an 'enticement' to assist me in deciding whether to 'stay or go.

Probably more than providing me with the opportunity to hone and add to my organizational skills, it gave me a door to understanding and dealing with people on a level and in a way that I never had before!  Though previously I had supervised, I had never managed others and now had the opportunity to do so! 

The first 'order of business' was to 'hire' or identify my staff which would be comprised of six 'junior' [E4 - 3rd class petty officers].  An interesting and challenging task, to say the least, to find six sailors with different backgrounds and interests, to compliment my own personality and methods.  

Before we 'all' reported to our new assignments if was first time for me to take 'vacation' [leave] and 'get ready' for it all.  Before I departed on leave, compartments [rooms] were assigned to me for use in the I-div assignment - office space, staff berthing, 'student' berthing and heads [bathrooms].  With space assigned, as well as expectations and duties assigned, it was time for me to depart for my 'vacation.' and to return and play Rip Van Winkle, before assuming the assignments of I Div Officer....

Getting Shorter

As I approached my EOS [End of Service] date during my time in the Navy, the anticipation of getting out grew within me with each passing day!  My experience and time in the Navy had been an experienced filled time and as I approached my EOS, the need for a decision to 'stay or go' was paramount and grew with each day as well.  While the prospect of getting out and returning to civilian life was exciting and inviting, it was at the same time scary in many regards.  'Navy life' has been good to me and the possibilities were endless, or so it seemed. At the same time to continue to live and succumb to the regiment of military life was daunting and in some ways unappealing!

As I counted the days and approached my 'double digits' to the end of the 'tour' the decision of what to do, reenlist or become a civilian 'tore' at me.  The decision was not made any easier with the prospect of what awaited me at home.  Even with all that, the prospects of leaving the Navy, returning to the civilian world and all the questions it presented loomed heavy on my mind.  The decision was not made any easier by the fact that my 'seniors' wished for me to stay and offered many reasons and incentives why I should reenlist.

While my mind was filled with all the prospects, made perhaps even more difficult by the fact it was 'down time' and the ship was between cruises in the shipyard.  At the time, a number of my friends, peers, shipmates had been shipped off for class on a 'new' system - a Wordstar word processing system.  While they were attending school for the new system, I was left behind to 'tend to the ship,' all the thoughts and decisions playing in my mind, and a new Wordstar system!  

It was no secret, I have the propensity and desire to learn all I can, though I am much more astute at learning 'hands on.'  Give me a manual and the 'object' and I can soak it up and most likely learn it 'inside out.'  The new Wordstar system was no different and I became intimate in my knowledge and operation of it!  Actually, when the others returned from class, my knowledge and abilities of the system surpassed their own in many ways.  

This did not go unnoticed by my seniors and soon I was putting together and holding 'advanced' training classes for those 'educated' in the operation of the system.  At the same time, there were discussions about me extending on board the ship for a year.  The purpose of my extension would be to administer the new system, which was to be networked to allow communications between all offices having the system installed.  Along with the extension, should I decide to do so, came numerous perks to entice me in reaching the decision to extend on board and administer the new systems.  

As enticing as it all was, the decision was not any easier and especially from because of the 'pressures' from those at home to 'get back' and return to the mix!  As the day loomed closer for me to make a decision, I decided to abstain and not extend on board to assure the position of system administrator.  Of course my decision was 'applauded' by many of those back home, many of those on board the ship were in disagreement with my decision to 'leave' the Navy and the 'sweet' deal that had been presented to me!

My days were not over yet, and the 'pressure' to change my mind, both about extending on board, or at least 're-upping' in the Navy continued...  With my decision made, or so I thought, I 'eased' into life as a 'short timer' counting my days to depart!

But then came the wager....

Four Roses Whiskey

After who knows how many days at sea, it was the time for port-a-call, and this time it was Rota Spain!  Now this was my first time in Rota, and given my 'track record' in Spain.  And probably because there was a Naval Base in Rota, I decided to try something different, as well as avoid any interaction with Shore Patrol. 

So with the thought of 'playing it cool' on this visit and after having 'befriended' Pat, who had a different attitude than many sailors.  His philosophy was to save money and only make one 'trip' ashore in each port, saving his money for his retirement.  This sounded good to me and made sense, so I thought I would do the same thing.  Pat's method, was to go ashore once in each port for a good meal and a glass of whiskey.  Now food and alcohol I was 'down' for, so decided to accompany Pat ashore, with my new 'method' in mind and only go for one good meal and a glass of whiskey.

After inquiring for the 'best' restaurant in town, it was decided it would be a good choice and headed ashore, all ready for a good meal and a glass of whiskey!  

Once there, it seemed obvious we had made a good choice!  After placing our order for dinner, we were asked what we wanted to drink.  Well of course the answer was Whiskey!  After naming off four or five 'popular American' brands, we were met with the response of 'No' each time.  So we asked, 'Do you have American whiskey?' And we were told, 'Yes.'  So commenced naming off two or three more possible brands.  At this point it was obvious the waiter was getting a little annoyed with us and our inquiries!

Throwing his hands in the air, he motioned to us to follow him.  We did and ended up at a 'large' table with all kinds of different liquors lined up.  Motioning to the the table and waving his had over the selection, he suggested we take our choice.  After looking over the selection, we chose the only bottle in the 'vast' selection with a label that claimed to be Kentucky Whiskey - in fact, the only bottle of whiskey on the table!  So we agreed upon this and proceeded back to the table.

All smiles, the waiter returned to bring us our glasses of American Whiskey.  Quite happy ourselves, Pat and I picked up the glasses before us and after a toast, hefted the glasses to our lips!  Almost as quickly as we had toasted and drank from the glasses, we removed them from our lips and looked at one another with the 'greatest' looks of disgust!  Without a doubt, Four Roses Whiskey was proof that all American Whiskeys are not the same!  So we sat 'sipping' our glasses of whiskey while we waited on our meals to arrive.

After delivering our meals to the table, the waiter asked if we wanted more whiskey!  Without even a moment's hesitation, we both nodded our heads and exclaimed 'No!'  While we enjoyed the meal, we sipped and 'enjoyed' our remaining whiskey!  

To say the 'night' was a total waste, would be a lie - the whiskey was a big disappointment, but at least the meal was good!  So we left to return to the ship - full, but still thirsty for American Whiskey.  

Definitely, I did save money and I did avoid any interaction with Shore Patrol, other than a nod when we passed them on the street  Maybe in the next pot............

 

Sunday Afternoon and the white dove

On many Sunday afternoons, I would go to my parents to visit.  Almost always was sat at the dining room table socializing - swapping stories, both old and new.  Yes, to say the least, I had a good relationship with my parents, after some rather 'rocky' years and unique situations.  

This Sunday, there was something different though, it was obvious there was something on their minds.  Being close, it did not take long for them to 'get around' to what was on their minds.  My relationship with my father has been rocky through the years, due to several different things.  Hi wife, my stepmother, was the epitome of a mother, at least to me.  Seeing as I had not known my biological mother growing up, my love and adoration of Bobbie was probably greater in many ways.


On this afternoon, something just did not 'feel' right, we were not engage in our normal light hearted manner, cracking stories, reminiscing and 'break' on each other.  When my dad spoke up and told me, 'son we have something to tell you,' I knew it was time to put on my 'game face' and be serious.  What he had to tell me floored me to say the least.


My [step] mother had been diagnosed with cancer, not just the 'garden variety,' but stage 4B Ovarian Cancer, of which her prognosis was not 'good.'  By all accounts the doctors were giving here just months to live, but all the same were going to try a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.  Of course a 'million' questions filled my mind, but they were not finished telling me everything just yet.  To add to the problem, there was no way my father could 'take off' work to see her to her daily treatments.  Immediately and without thought, I told them, 'no problem, I will take a leave of absence or quit my job if necessary.


Now the 'timing' for all this could not come at a more inopportune time, as if any time would be good, or desired!  My company was in the midst of a major contract in California, [I lived in Houston at the time] and I was meant to be traveling to California, any day, for an undetermined amount of time to oversee my portion of the contract.  None of this mattered at the moment, but more so 'taking care' of family did!

The next morning, full prepare to do whatever need be to allow me the time to help my family through this, I was at my manager's office to explain the situation to him.  Now the company I worked for had always been a good company, and most everyone there was family oriented.  All the same, I had not expectation of my manager's decision, when he told me essentially, take the time to do what I needed to do, whatever it took.  Fortunately my position was such at the time that it was pretty flexible and my cell phone was always with me!  

With work 'taken care off' it was time to attend to more urgent and pressing matters, which would take a lot more than work, as I was to find out!  Daily trips to the hospital, Monday through Friday, which often took most of the day!  Sometimes when it was a chemo day, it would turn into an all night deal!  To say the least it was challenging.

Not long after it 'all' started, I put together three loose leaf notebooks with a range of material, covering every bit of information we received from the hospital - information on cancer, treatment schedules, prescriptions with times, side effects and dangers.  Each day when I left my parent's home, I went through the 'collection' of medicines, ensuring they were identified with the schedule to be followed for each.  During these days, my cell phone was even more a 'part' of me than it ever was for work!

The whole 'ordeal' was touch, from watching the effects of treatment on my mother, combined with the daily trips to the hospital,  One of the hardest things though had to be to 'sit' and watch the effect it had on my father.  It was bad enough for him to 'sit and watch' helplessly, all of 'this' going on with his wife, the woman he loved so much, even harder though that the task of 'caring' for her was greatly increased by being so 'hands off' during it all.  


With my father working 'all the time' and away from my mother, I became her primary care giver and my father either had to refer to the notebooks I had began, or talk to me to find out what was what.  One of the most 'depressing' times is when he was off and able to accompany us to the hospital, the doctors did not even know who he was!  One night during the 'whole ordeal' my mother had to go to the emergency room, my father taking her.  Though he so 'much' wanted to be there with her and be the caretaker, he was 'obligated' to call me to meet them there just so I could 'oversee' everything going on.  It was a precarious situation for me, but him especially.  At times like this, I was very thankful for the relationship I share with my parents!


Now my mother was known to be a very outspoken and cantankerous person sometimes - quick to speak what was on her mind to whom ever 'needed' to hear it!  My father though 'quick' to temper for the most part, was a pretty quiet spoken man and mom's 'outbursts' would often send him 'off to the corner.'  It was for this reason my mother told me often she was glad that I was there.  First, I am a very patient man and don't let such things bother me, the second, I knew how to 'handle' my mom and with just a look or a word, I could 'put her in her place' and settle her down!


The 'obligatory' trips to the hospital, were often monotonous and time consuming as trips to the doctor, or hospital often can be.  Even in her weakened and drug induced state, my mom and I made every trip an 'adventure.'  Going into this, one of the things I knew that would be essential and instrumental, was to keep an 'upbeat and lively' outlook.  With my mom, that wasn't too difficult.  Though her pride wanted to keep her from it, the trip from the parking lot to the doctor's office was a 'long' one.  From the very time, despite her protests, I was able to talk her into 'taking a wheelchair' allowing me to 'push her' rather than walking.  These little 'journeys' were akin in many ways to riding the shopping cart through the supermarket on a joy ride!  


It was after all, as the 'cruise director' to ensure the passengers [patient] had as enjoyable a time as possible!  Now it seems to have become my mother's mission in life to marry me off, and the hospital offered a plethora of opportunities for her to 'peddle' me off and indeed she did try at every opportunity she had!  And the hospital was 'full' of opportunity, ever doctor's office we visited, the cafeteria, around every corner it seemed!


After only the first week or so of going for the appointments and treatments, mom had her 'targets' picked out for 'me.'  Though she was always sure to 'check' with me for my opinion before 'acting out,' a positive opinion was like the green flag a the Daytona 500!  That was all she needed.


Now it is funny, the most 'beautiful' of the women she 'picked' out was the head nurse in her primary doctor's office.  Indeed she was a beauty!  So after getting 'comfortable' enough to talk to her, my mom proceeded to ask her one day if she was married. To which she replied 'yes.'   Not to be dissuaded though, my mom proceeded to ask her if she was happily married!  Well even though she was in the process of divorcing, nothing ever came of that.


There was however, the 'crazy' one and it is funny, it is her name that I can remember!  Surely though it was because she lived on the same street that I had for awhile!  There was also the oncologist, a Eastern Indian women, Nothing in either of these cases - though I did talk to Suzanne, a couple of times on the phone.  Yes, Suzanne, was the 'crazy' one!  Really though, I am sure that I remember her name because we lived on the same street!


Seldom was there a dull moment when we were at the hospital!  One day, we were sitting in a waiting room, and sat there for a 'long' time with essentially no one else in the waiting room.  As we say there, my mom looked at the floor at the next row of chairs over and noticed something shiny on the floor!' Bound and determined that is was a diamond ring or something, I kept trying to tell her, no it was something else.  After carrying on about it for some time and letting it 'get the best of her,' she decided it was time to check it out and find out for herself. 


Turns out the object which had been the source of entertainment for some time, an imagined lost and found diamond ring was only a wadded up aluminum gum wrapper!  


Oh year, I will finish the story later and tell you about the dove too.....

The Ring of Fire

After awaking from my nap, it was time to get ready and 'head to town' to take in the sights, sounds, pints, people ~ pubs and karaoke!  Now there was undoubtedly, a great deal to see and do in Glasgow and I wanted to experience it all, or as much as I could! The great thing about visiting this time, was to be along with Ed.  That he was a Scot, and thoroughly versed in the history of the country, it made for a even more interesting trip than if I had been a tourist visiting!  I t definitely provided a different more detailed view and understanding of the city and country!

Awake, dressed and out of the house, the first order of business was a pint to quench our thirst.  Drinking seemed to be a big past time, or at least from my experience.  As we made our way to the first pub, in Glasgow, we walked - yes, walked that in itself a strange feelings.  The general accepted mode of transportation though seemed to be by foot, taxi or public transportation.  Almost always reluctant to take a taxi in the U.S, for fear of the cost, such was not the case at all in Scotland.  Still though, we 'hoofed' it via feet through town.  

The architecture was amazing to say the least!  The ornate sculptures on the sides of buildings, unlike anything to be seen back in States.  There seemed to be history on every street corner and in between!  Without a doubt, Ed was a great and knowledgeable 'tour guide' but just as importantly he new where all the pubs were as well!  While we sat enjoying our pint, discuss ensued as to where and what we should see.  The decision was the University of Glasgow and the The Hunerian, the oldest museum in Glasgow!  Now it seemed strange to travel all the way to Scotland to 'just' visit a museum!  Wow, the thought that comes to mind, first and foremost!  It was awesome and a whole other string of adjectives to describe it!

After visiting and touring the museum, it was time for - yep you guessed it - more beer!  The rest of the afternoon we spent walking around going from pub to pub, taking in the sights as we made out way along.  As night progressed we ended up in an obscure 'back street pub and 'settled in' for the night.  The activities for entertainment for the night at the pub was drinking and karaoke! 

Now as the night progressed and got further into our pint, the goading began for me to sing karaoke!  With numerous protests, I declined to participate - not wishing to 'make a fool' out of myself, I had only sang karaoke once before, many years ago in a faraway land!  Apparently my protest s were either unheard, or ignored as I was to learn when my name was called!  With the announcement that I would be singing, 'Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash.

With some reluctance, I made my way to retrieve the microphone given it was a bit 'late' to back out seeing as when my name was announced, it was also announced I was the yank from California.  Now this elicited a great deal of interest and excitement from the pub crowd!  As nervous as a 'cat on a hot tin roof,' I commenced to sing the words to the song as they scrolled across the video screen!  Now after the song ended, as I greeted by a number of Scots, apparently just as far into their pints as I was.  But I did not buy another pint that night, but my 'glass' was never empty!

If I had to pick

If I had to pick any one place of all the places I have been as a 'favorite' I would be hard pressed to make a decision on which it is. If 'forced' to pick a favorite, it would probably be Scotland, but more about that later. Truly, all of them were special in their own way and for their own reasons! Though Africa, is indeed in the top 5, simply because of my love for animals and nature! Truly, I did learn so much more than I even knew after my visit there!

When we stayed in Africa, while on the 'safari' we stayed a Hilton, nice yes, but it was unique because of the location. While you might imagine it was near or in a big city, it actually was in the 'middle of nowhere!' Out of all the Hiltons and Hyatts and almost every other hotel and motel imaginable, I have never had orientation when I checked in. That was not the case here! After we checked in at the desk, the group of us were assembled and warned about going outside after dark.

Now, this was without a doubt, one of the most unique Hiltons, I had ever seen or stayed in. It was only 2 stories, and square shaped, with 'everything' inside the square. Everything that is except the garbage receptacles. It is for this reason, we were told to stay 'in' the square at night. The reason the 'wild' animals came up at night to 'check out' the garbage receptacle. To be outside the square made one 'subject' to being dinner for a wild animal!

After our orientation, we were escorted to our rooms. Now the rooms held another unexpected surprise! When we entered the room, a net was found to be suspended over the beds. Of course in my innocence and inexperience, I asked about the need for the 'mosquito nets' at night. Promptly the bell help corrected and enlightened me that the nets were not mosquito nets and they were not there for convenience! More so, they were snake nets and 'required.' Another interesting thing about this hotel – there was no air conditioning! Therefore the sliding doors were apt to be open and snakes apt to crawl into the rooms and beds! Point taken and I did sleep with the net securely fastened about the bed – as I am most certain 'everyone' else did that night!

With check-in and orientation over, it was time for a little relaxation and exploring before dinner. After getting cleaned up and'squared away' my friend and roommate for the night, Bryan and I, went downstairs and outside the square while it was still light. It was close to sunset, and while outside got to view what must have been the most beautiful sunset, I could ever imagine! Almost the entire sky was orange and surrounding an even darker orange orb which was the sun! The vast expanse of the savannah and the desert lent dust to the air which filtered the sunlight, giving it the orange cast we observed! Trul unique, as well as magnificent!

After a short time, we all met up in the dining room for dinner, where we had an awesome dinner and some socializing. After dinner, there were not any clubs or bars nearby, so were limited to the hotel bar and lobby for our entertainment. It was here on this night I became familiar with Toasted Almond cocktails! The delightful combination of coffee and almond liqueurs make this creamy concoction a great indulgence. They are awesome, to say the least! So that evening, myself and a few other shipmates sat in the lobby enjoying the 'new' fond concoction and conversation!

While sitting, enjoying the evening, someone looked up into the 'tower' which loomed over our heads in the lobby. Upon closer observation we noticed it was 'full' of seemingly 1000's of bats! An inquiry with the hotel staff, to confirm what we thought we saw, which was indeed what we thought. The tower was open to the outside allowing the bats access to the interior where they roosted during the day, and made their way out for the foraging and hunting at night! Truly a unique and interesting experience – a night of Toasted Almonds, bats in the lobby of the Hilton in the 'middle of nowhere.