Book 'em Danno...

It was the night to end all nights,...well at least our 40's.  Yep, we hailed in turning 50 with a Hawaii 5-0 luau under the house. It was one of those "on again, off again " events, but in the end we decided to go ahead with it. It was also mixed with bitter sweet feelings, knowing our friends and family from the State could not be there, just the local folks who we feel honored to call our friends.

"birthday cakes"

drinks tables, featuring Blue Hawaiians!!

over all view, before thecraziness...

The amazing food ; Kahlua pork, teriyaki chicken, spam fried rice, pineapple carrots, mango green beans

work table ( folks from work, including Baby Boss)

gathering of the girls!!

well stocked beer fridge ( it always looks like this)

some random 50 year olds.

close up of the yummy goodness (sorry for the focus)

decor

Awesome tiki lights  made by your truly....

hanging with NCIS Jen - peace out.

Beginning of the End.....

I've known for some time that soon we will be starting the count down to retirement. It truly is bitter sweet. After 29 years of an identity, or an assumed identity, it will no more. I know I don't want to be one of those who hangs on to the Glory Days and recalls stories of "when I was a military spouse". But this next two years also mark a drawing to an end of an era, which should be celebrated for what it was.  In so many ways, i just want to lock up and walk away before the fact. Perhaps I will do so.
Today the first of many LAST events has happened. In my psyche, I have seen this as the last Change of Command ceremony I will be a part of. Oh, I will attend others before we leave, but this is the last one for a command we are part of. It was also very touching because the out going Admiral is retiring as well. We are just behind him, through the door.

Side Boys - hoist away

Color guard at the ready

Piped in.

Admiral T. Carney remarking

Admiral Thomas (7th Fleet) regaling

Presenting Ryan Carney with a coin

Pinning Tom's medal on

Tom saying a few words ( well done!)

Admiral Thabaud addressing

Hugs all around

A parting gift - looks like liquor!! Single Malt I bet...

Dignitaries about to leave

Salute going ashore

Ambassador in attendance

Excellent service from the Terror Club staff

Quite the spread... awesome decor (hee hee)

So - - Fair winds and followings seas to the Carneys. Know you are always have a place to stay in Newport.

Guess who??

Hey, I'm sleeping.
It's warm and comfy in here.
Don't I look just like my daddy?

 

 

Makes it all real, doesn't it?!!

Saddened....

Everyone dies. I know this. But it doesn't make it any easier when it happens.

Seems as if we are in a season where it is happening a lot. Of course those of us who believe we go on after death can take comfort in this. But we, who are left behind, can only remember them,  no longer having the ability to pick up a phone, or write an email to say "hi" when we so desire.

So let me say "adieu". You will be missed, yet loved by so many.