A look back....

And when I returned home from being with Joel and his new ride, I saw this photo of us in May 1990 during his initial training in this bird.

At first I thought I should replace this one with the one taken today, however I am sentimental, and I think I'll just put the two together. And then that makes me think of all the things that have gone on in between these events. (The Dash - for all of those who are familiar.) Wow! What a life we have experienced and will be celebrating come October 28th!

Welcome Aboard!

I think Joel picked up on my sadness yesterday, so he arranged his mission to fly to Dobbins and have lunch with me today! I must tell you I am honored because he has been flying all over the country for a variety of foods. He's traveled to Louisiana for some Cajun cuisine, the Keys for some key lime pie (not really - he had a blackened mahi sandwich with no room for the pie), Pennsylvania for a Philly cheesesteak, and to Ft. Lauderdale for some more seafood (his favorite). Today, he traveled for some Greek food at Marietta Diner. Yum-o!

Mike and Joel landed just before 11am, and I picked them up at Dobbins ARB, and his dad met us there for our delicious lunch. We returned back to the base with JR in tow so Joel could show us the aircraft. Now I understand why Joel likes this ride better than the "tree-skimmer" (helicopter)! They had already flown to Nashville this morning before landing in Marietta, and then they were leaving for Ft. Hood to pick up a soldier, who had just returned from Iraq. They would then return to Ft. Rucker to determine their mission for tomorrow. Look out; he could be coming to a neighborhood near you!

And they're off...

... to high school and the middle of middle school! And now I find myself in a quiet home, literally. I normally can't stand a quiet house, so I have to have the television on. Today, however, I'm suffering through some odd feelings, and my inclination is to keep it quiet in the house.

The Jenkins' "normal "has been off since April with Joel away, and now with the children starting a new year in their lives, I am realizing that a new year begins for me as well. Joel has not ever been away for the start of a new school year, and he won't be here for next year as well. With school starting, holidays and vacations seem to come into view, and I am realizing that Joel will be away for all of those as well. So, I guess quietness is what I need today to process the changes that are ahead of us. This may be my new "normal". I digress.....

On the horizon though, there is excitement. Caroline is a member of the JV softball team, and she'll be participating in the high school chorus. Both entities will keep her engaged in extra-curricular activities and plugged into groups within the large high school she is attending. She has terrific friends, and the road ahead is promising. Reid has found the love of lacrosse, and he is excited to begin playing again this Fall. He also wants to continue voice lessons. I'm thankful that my children have passions in their lives, and I know they, the children and their activities, will keep us engaged while Joel is away. We'll just miss him being alongside of us to witness these moments.

Stay tuned. I hope I will keep you plugged in on all of the jaunts.