Remember my post about how "dusty" didn't even begin to describe this place? Well, that fine dust makes an incredible gooey, sticky mud after it rains. I'm almost pining for the dusty and hot days again! Well, perhaps not the hot part, but this mud is unbelievable. There's a rock hard strata a few inches under the surface that prevents the water from soaking in so all the rain gets to do is sit on top of the dirt and bond with the moon dust to create some very impressive mud.
I've been here a few days now and am back into my routines. In some ways it seems like I never left here but there are enough changes that I've been on my toes lately. The biggest change is that my Chief's relief is here and we are all sadly getting ready to send him home. It's not that we aren't excited about him being able to get out of here and get back where he belongs with his family. But, he's such a part of normal life, such a wonderful friend and coworker, that life here just won't be the same after he redeploys. But, that's a few weeks away so no need to borrow that sorrow just yet.
One great thing about being back was seeing all of the Soldiers again, the guys I work with and see every day that make this place bearable. I've really come to know quite well a bunch of the NCOs and Troopers around the unit and I admit sharing stories and finding out about how they've been has been such a boost to make up for having to leave home again. While they'll never take the place of my wife and kids, they are my family here and being back "home" with them is, in many indescribable ways, comforting.
Cheers, Pearl
