Groan...

Looking out The Nuke's back door.

So it was back to work on Monday, after a glorious seventeen days away.

Was I thrilled to return? Yes, and no. Yes, it was good to see my co-workers (many of whom had returned to work on the 2nd of January, that is, five days before moi) but getting up early, having to shave at oh-dark-thirty, and heading out into the 20° weather was just a bit jarring. (That would be the "no" part.)

I did remember all of my passwords, which didn't surprise me, I had to exercise one of them just a few days before returning to the salt mines, er, I mean work. So I had that going for me.

Then I read Juvat's post where once again the topic of him now being one of the idle rich, er, I mean retired, came up. Am I jealous? Well sure, just a little. But I am probably going to be in the same boat a year from now.

I get odd glances from The Missus Herself when I mention retirement, she has projects, plans, and schemes which require the dispensing of cash. I just keep telling her, gotta do it soon dearest, otherwise the cash flow will drop off but on the bright side, you'll have me around to work on all those projects, plans, and schemes.

She has her doubts but I swear this work thing begins to weary me.

Anyhoo, that's a year down the road.

Your Humble Scribe avec his new cap, t-shirt, and outer wear.

The cap bears the logo of the Office of Naval Intelligence (I could tell ya but then, ya know, I'd have to ya know...), the t-shirt is a gift from The WSO, it has the Foo Fighters Concrete and Gold album logo on the front and the set list from the concert she and I went to at Fenway Park back in July on the back. One of a kind item that is. The big comfy shirt is from The Nuke which sparked this conversation -

The Nuke: "It's just like the shirt you had in Germany that Tiger peed on!"

YHS: "Why yes, yes it is, without the feline urine smell!"

The Missus Herself: "You're both idiots."

YHS: "Why yes, yes we are."

The Nuke: "Speak for yourself Dad."

But yes, it is like a shirt that our late cat Tiger decided to urinate on to signal that he wasn't feeling all that well. It's what kitties do. Too bad they can't talk.

Speaking of urine...

No, I won't tell you how on the Sunday we arrived in Alexandria, one of The Nuke's pooches was upset with something, probably all the extra bodies in the house, so she decided to leave a present for an unsuspecting human.

Have you ever sat down and wondered why there was a puddle on the inflatable bed in the guest room. A very cold puddle which smelled suspiciously of urine? No? Trust me, avoid that at all costs.

Oops, I did tell you, Gomen nasai!

"I swear it wasn't me, there are no witnesses."
Kodi, the prime suspect in the puddle caper (as I like to call it).

"I want a lawyer, wasn't me, but I want a lawyer."
Bear, a somewhat credible witness desirous of legal representation.

Being on vacation was great, sitting in front of this most nights was oh, so pleasant.

In our host's living room.

While being back at work (groan) pays the bills and racks up time for retirement, I do miss Maryland and Virginia. But it's good to be home and looking out my own back door.

Cue music...

It's been some time since I've heard that tune. First time I've really listened to the lyrics. Think I'll go look at my back yard some more.

Tambourines and elephants!