April Milsupport round up

Well it's been an interesting month of Milsupport.

The Easter parcel reached SSgt G in time and he said he enjoyed sharing it with his team (no mention, however, about whether he tried on the bunny ears)

Late parcel went out to my Airforce double-adoptee (So nice I asked to adopt him for a second deployment). Luckily he's been zipping about the countryside (note... not sure *which* country or which side) and wasn't back for his mail for a few weeks so the lateness wasn't a factor - whew!

Postcards have been winging their way across to a Wounded Warrior based in Texas. I am hoping they make him smile just a bit.

Oh and I acquired a new adoptee via Soldiers Angels too - so far just an introductory letter, an Aussie postcard and a box of goodies (from the Soldiers' Angels store) have headed his way but I am working on his May Parcel as I type (more below)

May goodie parcels...

There is (as I type) a Water Balloon Launcher and 300 water balloons winging their way to SSgt G.  Hopefully it will be a great team toy and fun in the Hot Hot Hot of where-ever he is.

Available at Amazon.com

I did attempt to send a WBL to Airforce Adoptee however for some reason (a weird twist in the time/space continuum?) Amazon's supplier will ship to one AE/APO address but not the other AE/APO address..  Never mind - it's the last parcel for him so I can easily substitute an Aussie Sweets and Munchies pack instead and I am sure he won't mind.

For my Newest adoptee I am trying to order some "Summer Sausage" for him (okay so first I had to ask my "Go To Guys" exactly what the heck that was since we call it something different Downunder).  Hickory Farms have Military gift packs which is lovely - however I am once again having problems with "postcode does not exist for that area" error messages.  I have emailed them and will hopefully hear from them shortly.

Oh and in a RAK [Random act of Kindness(?)] I have shipped some Timtams, Caromello Koalas and Musk Sticks off to a new friend in the USA.  He advised that he's received them but nothing so far on taste tests (I am figuring 2 out of 3 will meet approval).  And being a Sweet and Lovely Pax I did not send any Vegemite to befuddle him further - Go Me! :D

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Also a reminder that the ANZAC pin & keychain competition ends on the 1st of May.  There are FIVE entries so far but I'd love to see a few more (just remember to reply at that post to enter).

A Poem for Remembrance Day

"The inquisitive mind of a child"

Why are they selling poppies, Mummy?
Selling poppies in town today.
The poppies, child, are flowers of love.
For the men who marched away.

But why have they chosen a poppy, Mummy?
Why not a beautiful rose?
Because my child, men fought and died
In the fields where the poppies grow.

But why are the poppies so red, Mummy?
Why are the poppies so red?
Red is the colour of blood, my child.
The blood that our soldiers shed.

The heart of the poppy is black, Mummy.
Why does it have to be black?
Black, my child, is the symbol of grief.
For the men who never came back.

But why, Mummy are you crying so?
Your tears are giving you pain.
My tears are my fears for you my child.
For the world is forgetting again.

Author - Mary Link nee Gilbert

Updated 11/11/2012 - I received the following message today and have changed the "Author Unknown" tag for this poem to Mary Link nee Gilbert

The Message from her Grandchild (name ungiven) reads
"My grandmother Mary Link nee Gilbert is the author of this but sadly we cannot authenticate. She was born Ashford Kent England 1891 and wrote this to answer her sons inquisitive mind. My mother taught this to all of us as children, like I have mine and my grandchildren. A truly remarkable and honest observation. And sadly the world is forgetting again"

LEST WE FORGET

Photo Copyright held by TRC

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ode_of_Remembrance

ANZAC DAY 2012

Each 25th of April it is ANZAC day here in Australia - where the citizens of Australia and New Zealand stop and remember those that have fought for us in the wars; and those that will never return.

The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzac's [wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day]

And each year I like to give my Blog readers a chance to win one of the limited edition ANZAC pins/memorabilia that are issued each year.

This year it will be a double prize (pin AND Key chain)

The key-chain shows Simpson and his Donkey* (1915 - WWI) and the lapel pin commemorates the Bomber crew of the downed Lancaster Bomber "Stella Bowen" - lost 28th April 1944 (WWII)

The Reverse of the key-chain:-

Close up of the Lapel pin (sorry... a bit blurry)

Contest rules - you need to make a comment in this blog saying you would like to be in the draw.  On  the 1st of May I will write every one's names on a strip of paper and have a friend draw one from a hat.

Entrants can be ANYWHERE in the world (Downrange, Australia, New Zealand, USA etc) - the winner will be announced on my Blog and they will be required to supply me with their mail address. They will have 1 week to contact me (by the 7th of May) or a redraw will occur.

So Please! SHARE THE LINK with all your friends that might want a bit of Australian ANZAC history of their very own

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Simpson and his donkey* The story of the soldier who rescued wounded men on Gallipoli (World War 1) with a donkey has been told to successive generations of schoolchildren. Simpson's actions are regarded as the highest expression of mateship, and he remains one of Australia's best known historical figures. 

Private Simpson found himself at ANZAC Cove on 25 April 1915, and was killed less than four weeks later.

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And for my Adopted Soldiers downrange - I have one each of the below Slouch hat pin that I will post off to them this week.  Hopefully it will bring them luck

Pax and the Past

I really wish I had read this sort of article about 8 or 9 years ago.  I doubt I would have failed to change what occurred (being stupidly in love and all), however I may have had a better idea why things went pear-shaped and not blamed myself quite as much.

For the record... I was the "Adult" in the relationship - a role that began innocuously enough (when he moved up he had one year of college left and I supported him through that financially and emotionally) and me being the designated "Nurturer" just never really ended.

Eventually by the end of it all (8 years later) I was so tired of being the ONLY one to worry about the bills, the finances and mortgage - that I resented his attitude so very much. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/15/opinion/sunday/the-downside-of-cohabiting-before-marriage.html

Ah well... should I ever find the courage to try again - I will know some things to avoid the next time around.

Pax [no longer such a romantic]

Pax gets some presents!

Yes! You read that correctly - I received a marvellous parcel of early Birthday gifts in the mail, sent to me by the EMOD (Evil Mistress of the Darkness aka Vicki in Cali)

It is in fact a few weeks to go until my mumble mumble* birthday however V was kind enough to allow me to open the gift early (it was either that or she feared she would be on the cleaning crew after I imploded from impatientness)

And within that parcel there was much of the Penguinity to behold

Four!  Count them - FOUR!  Amazing Penguin t-shirts :)

One or two I may even get away wearing to work (ehh.. I'm in tech services - the geeky-look is HOT there baby :D)

So thank you Miss V - You have made my day.  And I suspect that should the 4th of May turn out to be less spectacular than hoped for - these will carry me through.

Happy Penguins to all, and to all a good.... 

Pax
 


*yes.. it is TRUE that it is going to be my mumble mumble birthday! However owing to amazing genetics I only look mumble!

The 6th Annual Milblog Awards

Voting has just opened for the 6th Annual Milbloggies - go HERE to vote (note - you need to log in to do this. You can use your facebook/google/et al. accounts to do this)

Some of my favourite Military Bloggers are nominated so I am very happy to Vote for them (however I will be failing at the "waving pom-poms and going Rah-Rah-Rah unless suitable bribery is offered)

If you should be looking for some inspiration on who is most definitely deserving, I would like to offer my humble opinion

Best U.S. Marine Corps Nominees - Castra Praetoria as #1; with The Sandgram and One Marine's View as Hot Seconds (sadly I can vote only once or all three would get a clicky). 

And yes yes.. I know that you are all muttering
"Total Marine fangirl"
and you would be RIGHT :D

Best U.S. Military Spouse Blog Nominations - The Kitchen Dispatch. 

Best U.S. Reporter Blog Nominations - Red Bull Rising - ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK! :)

Best U.S. Army Blog Nominations - Home from Iraq

There are still 6 other categories for me to vote on.  And I am going to spend the next few days reading the nominated blogs and deciding where my votes will go (and adding to my daily blog reading list I am sure!)

Hmm... I notice there is NO "Treat-bombed-with-yummy-musk-sticks" Blog category...  Now that's a shame - I'd have had a possible chance at being nominated for that one [oh... if they left off that pesky "Born in the U.S.A" requirement bit that is....]

Pax and the Renovations - almost done!

It's been some time since I bored you all with the status of my apartment renovations.  So let us have a "look see" at the current state of the Home of the Pax

Kitchen -  looking from lounge area (note - the kitchen and lounge are all one rectangular room - 1/2 of my apartment space)

Kitchen - pantry & fridge side

Lounge room - (same side as sink/dishwasher in kitchen) - you can see the new doors leading to the Balcony; and my mini computer zone

Lounge room (other side).  These bookcases hold only my DVD collection.  The Majority of my books are stored in the bedroom and hall bookcase.
At some point (when I have saved up a few more $$) I will be finishing the Splashback in the Kitchen; and hopefully getting some wooden "venetian style" window blinds to replace the not-quite-block-out blinds I have installed.  (oh and renovate the bathroom.. and paint the bedroom and hall and... never ending :D)

Never the less - I am most happy with how it has all turned out - and so thankful that my Dad is such a Handyman (he laid the tiles and helped me install the kitchen benches).  My home is now *MY* home once more - and I feel safe and content to be here.

And for any of my friends that wish to travel and visit.  I *will* be acquiring a comfy mattress for the floor so at least ONE of you will be comfortable.  However - Must be willing to be bossed about by my cat :)

Pax is perplexed

... does THIS look to be a good thing to have?

Would *YOU* take it with you Downrange for fun and amusement?

IF yes - please to leave a message at the Sign of the Pax and let me know

Can be obtained HERE

Pax does the Grumpy Penguin

and no.. that's NOT a new dance craze

Found via Coffeypot who found via his friend Mike who found it at ICANHASCHEESEBURGER.

Although... I find that being SUPER PERKY PAX causes my workmates to shudder and wince more... 

Pax and the not so Super Egg

Since Easter is typically a time of giving and receiving of the Chocolate egg, I was quite enthused to discover THIS EGG amongst my choices.

The picture is quite fuzzy but it's called a "First Avenger" egg - with a picture of Captain America on it.

The small print on the back declared that "Each Egg contains an Avengers item".

Oh Kaloo Kalaa!  Would it be a mystical ring that would transform me in to a Lycra wearing Super-Hero?  Or perhaps a Tony Stark self-portrait (self love.. he's got it!)

So I eagerly unwrapped the foil; ignored the base-grade chocolate egg 'shell' and dug in to the plastic container with an eager will.... to find -

Sigh.... nothing very Super about that is there?

Oh well... back to the drawing board.  Now where do I find that pool of Radio-active Goo for a quick Super-Dip?

A Joyous and Peaceful Easter to you all

Christ has died

Christ has risen

C

Christ will come again

May your Easter be peaceful, joyous and safe!