Sunday, November 23, 2014

Cold Nights

It had never occurred to me, when I was a young bride, that there might come a day when Blue and I would spend a large amount of evenings apart. When we would text each other our good nights and sweet nothings instead of whispering them, because of distance and commitments and work and overtime. I figured once-in-awhile we'd be out with friends or have to work late, but not once did I think it would be normal for me to go about my night alone. 

We had plans to be lazy this evening. We were both having shit days and we wanted to cuddle-up and forget about the rest of the world. We wanted to forget about the people bringing us down, the stress of parenting, the city and its problems, the icy cold right outside our door. We were going to sit and enjoy each others company, joking and laughing and most-likely drooling while watching Anthony Bourdain eat some crazy street food in some far off place we'll never visit. 

Instead the city needed more time from him. And what can he say? He's a hard worker. I love that about him. I also hate that about him. 

So I got the text and my night was altered. I'm used to it by now. I'm used to getting the kids fed and bathed and off to bed by myself. Sometimes it goes well. I put on music and let them dance around the house like crazy monkeys so that when they're older they hopefully remember those times and forget how tired mommy always was. 

When the house is finally quiet and resting I take a big deep breath. I grab my glass of wine and run myself a bubble bath and go to bed early. Cold winter nights are usually the hardest. It's so dark and our bedroom is freezing. I tend to feel more alone than in the summer. 

One thing is for sure, I'm thankful for wine and bathtubs and heavy duvets and flannel pj's. 







Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Remembrance Day

Posted by: Blue

Today, I am wondering how much fighting it will take to bring peace to our own country.

All of my love, prayers and support to those overseas and those still at home waiting.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Shotgun

Posted by: Blue

I completed the Shotgun Operators' Course Friday, despite high winds, rain and bottomed-out mercury at the outdoor range. I had been trying to get onto the course since spring, but manpower on our shift wouldn't permit it until now.

For the new qualification of SGO, you must successfully utilize tactical "00" buckshot out to 25 yards and rifled slugs out to 50 yards with 100% accuracy.  You must also demonstrate an ability to transition to pistol upon failure of the shotgun, speed-load from behind cover, use the weapon-mounted light while shooting, and properly deploy from the cruiser car.

The slugs are accurate beyond 100 yards, but the iron sights diminish in accuracy at that distance. A scope would be necessary at that range, and a rifled barrel with sabots would increase accuracy as well. The guns are currently zeroed at 50 yards.

The old Remington 870s have been retro-fitted with new furniture:

Duty ammunition currently consists of: