Feb 17 2008
Thunderstorm in Mosul
We had a thunderstorm on Thursday night. I was in my trailer about 2100 that night working at my desk. I saw a bright flash followed a couple of seconds later by a very loud boom. I assumed it was another IED. We probably hear on average about 5-6 IED explosions per day in Mosul. The small explosions, we just hear; the larger explosions actually shake our trailers. I had felt larger detonations previously, but I had never seen a flash before. About 30 seconds later, it happened again. When I walked outside to see what was happening, it started pouring. It rained all night Thursday and into Friday morning. The roads were extremely muddy on Friday, so I wore my old running shoes for my run that afternoon. I still haven’t worn a new pair yet because they’re too clean.
We grilled steaks at lunch today to celebrate Presidents’ Day. I got to sleep in until about 0900. At 1030 I went to chapel, which lasted exactly 1 hour. Obviously this wasn’t the gospel service! After lunch, I watched Mike decimate Glenn in a thrilling game of horseshoes. Toward the end, Rick walked over smoking a cigar.
I quickly departed since even the smell of cigars makes me queasy!
For those who don’t know, Dale once made the unfortunate decision to smoke a cigar. He has never quite recovered. My family grew up with the smell of cigar smoke. It is a smell that brings fond memories of Russ.