Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Outback, Carrabba's, Bonefish Grill - Saturday, 17 Oct 09

Tonight we had a very special treat for dinner! I thought it was only Outback Steakhouse coming in to provide steaks, but when we got inside we saw that they had Outback, Carrabba's and Bonefish Grill entrees!!!
Sorry for the blurry pic - I was taking the shot across the room at the dining facility where they had their Outback Steakhouse banner displayed.

It was so hard to decide what to have because they had several entrees to choose from! I wish they would each come a different night so I could have enjoyed all of it!!!

I decided on the Ribeye steak from Outback, the Tilapia w/ Thermadore Sauce and Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill and the Au Gratin Potatos and herb roll from Carrabba's. I'm not sure which one provided the Key Lime pie for desert, but it was scrumptious!! We also had a Bloomin' Onion for everyone at the table!! WAY too much food, but it was delicious!!!

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Dust Laden Sunset - Friday, 16 Oct 09

Today was a very still day so the dust never had a chance to be blown away, it simply lingered, creating a 'fog' across the camp.

A solitary soldier makes his way west across the camp.

Even through the dust the colors on display showed their rich tones as dusk approached.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - "Street" Scenes - Friday, 16 Oct 09

I have absolutely no idea where this guy came from or where he was headed, but couldn't pass on the opportunity to snap the shot.

Not really the best running environment, but there aren't many options. I haven't become acustom to suckin' dust just yet! Bleck!!

Just another view of what a typical commute along the streets is like on any given day at any given time...dusty!!

It's a daily occurence to see groups coming in while others are going out. We're currently in a high transition period that will continue for several weeks.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Random Pics - Friday, 16 Oct 09

Even Camp Leatherneck has it's own unique and impressive structures. It's amazing what can be created from Hesco barriers with a little imagination (and WAY too much time on their hands).

Who needs billy goats to stand on top of anything raised from the ground when we have Marines!

Today I got a group of people together for a very small representation of the diversity of people we have working/living at Camp Leatherneck. We have men and women of all ages, ethnic background, etc from the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy and Civilians working together to acheive one mission! These are only 17 of over 8,ooo!

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - Current Office Digs - Monday, 12 Oct 09

In a row of shelters less than a five minute walk from my sleeping tent is our office. We like it here; it's away from the insanity that runs amuck in some of the other work centers.

Here's the view when you first walk through the door. Four of us line the left side, three on the right. I reside on the far end of the left side nearest to the plywood wall which creates a small storage space at the far end of the tent.

A shot from the opposite end of the space.

A closer shot of my work space.

One more pic from another angle. There you have it; the place I spent plenty of hours each day.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - "Home Sweet Home" (for a while) - Sunday, 11 Oct 09

There are many tents lined in rows, but none other is like this one because this one is where I live; this is my home (for a while).

The Navy Seabee's have graciously allowed a "foreigner" into their space; which I'm very thankful for because I'd be squeezed in with the Marines otherwise. Seabee's are creative and proud; hence the handle on our door that you see here.

This is my corner of the tent. Not much to write home about (wait, isn't that kind of what I'm doing here). Anyway, now that I've received sheets and a real pillow from friends I'll be able to upgrade from the sleeping bag!!! The simple things can mean SOOO much!! I have no bunkmate so I'm able to spread out a bit and use the top bunk for 'stuff'.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan - You never know...

You never know what's going to be coming at you when you come around the bend in the road!! (Sorry for the blurry pic, I was trying to catch the shot before they passed by).

Of course, these guys can make a 'road' wherever they choose too!