Charlie is me darlin'!

That's Charlie Sherpa from over at Red Bull Rising blog

Earlier this year I sent him the news that the television show China Beach would finally be released on DVD.  His sharp eagle eyes noticed a problem with their pre-publication box art work and in gratitude the publishing company supplied a few sets in partial consideration for otherwise unpaid technical-consulting services rendered.  [you might recall his 'Boonie's Haiku Contest' run back in February 2013 where the winner received one set]

Although I am not sure I deserve it (but good luck making me give it back! :D) - Young Charlie sent me the second set.

The box arrived yesterday and included the DVD box set AND *EXTRAS* Yay!!!!!

An matchbox M-ATV of my very own (ask Charlie about his love of ATV's!); a batch of postcards from Iowa and the Army; and a very sweet Army Mule toy.

Charlie writes about the mule...

This particular Army mule has travelled around the world with me a couple of times. The mule is a U.S. Army and U.S Military Academy mascot. (The U.S. Air Force gets "Fighting Falcons"; the Marines are "Devil Dogs." We get mules?) Mules have also been used in the war in Afghanistan. I also figured he'd make a potential drinking-buddy for the stuffed camel I for which remember you once doing a naming contest on your blog. In fact, I seem to recall that I suggested the camel be named "Boonie," in part after the character in "China Beach."

 

Little Muley requires a proper name, so stand by for a "Name that Mule" competition later in the year  [and yes - it's a follow on from the "Name That Camel" competition back in 2011]

 

Thank you Charlie - your kindness has really made my week, month and Year [it's been a tough one lately downunder].

 

Pax

off to watch more China Beach despite the Cat's disapproval!

 

 

R U OK?

R U OK = Are you Okay - a national day held in September to 'support those struggling with life' (website HERE)

I have just been reading an article in the New York Times on the recent rise in suicides in the military

 

Baffling Rise in Suicides Plagues the U.S. Military

 

I know that some of my former Troop-Support Adoptees follow my blog (or have me friended on Facebook) and I really want you to know that if you need someone to talk to - to vent at; to rant about things to - or in the extreme cases - a place to come stay at for a short while* - then I am here for you.

 

Don't keep the pain inside - staying quiet and stoic are the worst things to do.

 

Always your Angel,

Pax

 

*staying-space is a single mattress on the lounge-room floor - dealing with my cat and my quirky nature. You will also need a ticket to Australia! [it's a one bedroom mini-apartment so not being claustrophobic would help too :D]

Ausmerica the Bravely Suntanned?

News just in - White House petition calls for merger of United States, Australia, to form 'Ameristralia'

Read more:  HERE

*blink blink*

Perhaps it's just some right-wing Looney from California who is jealous of our actually having a  National budget?

May Post

May has arrived - and the lovely Autumn weather of Brisbane is glorious to behold.  Cool but sunny and no rain - wonderful.

"Received" an early birthday "gift" today (my birthday is the 4th) - trip to the dentist for what I had hoped was simply a lost filling.  Turned out to be a crack through the tooth and so I now have one less tooth for the brushing (recovery will take a few days and I am currently very propped up by the pharmacy-grade pain meds). It was my upper right back tooth so it's loss won't interfere too much with my life.

In other actually GOOD news - I have a job interview on Monday for a Library Assistant's position.  So if you can spare some good thoughts - please wing them my way.

Oh and I have heard from my new Soldier's Angel adoptee.  Mike is a clever, articulate and dedicated member of the USA Army.  He's has a wonderfully good sense of humour and we have been exchanging emails since I adopted him.  So very glad I have 'met' him [so far a batch of goodies have been sent off to him - he's received the small batch of Aussie cookies & candy (no no musk stick - I am being nice!) and a plush kangaroo toy he has named "Jack"; and I sent him a copy of the movie "Finding Nemo" (we have been joking about that since my introductory email explaining that I live "half way between the Reef and Wallaby Way Syd-e-ney").  Girl Scout cookies are also on their way to him].  He is very much a ray of sunshine in my life - making all the uncertainties of lack-of-job fade away whenever I chat with him. So very glad I found Soldiers Angels five years ago (almost to the day actually - it was my "Pay it forward" Birthday gift to myself five years ago and never once regretted.)

Now to get over the extraction and be all smiles come Saturday.  I am having lunch with my Parents and haven't wanted to worry them,  Wish me a speedy recovery! :)

edited to add - lol someone just asked me if I have a "wish list' for my birthday.  I do but I don't expect any gifts - your all-abiding love and support are all I need [but if that's just tooo freaky to contemplate - here's my amazon link - http://amzn.com/w/1EUHNLL1YFLO ]