(A Slightly Different) Desert Update

Well, it had been quite some time since Robert or I had talked to Biji "live" - the phone set-up in Tikrit was such that his limited access to phones did not coincide with times that Robert and I would actually be at home. Imagine my surprise when, at 10:30 last night, the phone rang from a number "Out of Area." Now, you must understand that we get at least 3 calls a day from collection agencies... Apparently, two people who used to live here have some serious credit problems; we have repeatedly told the agencies that the people they're looking for no longer live here, but the calls keep coming. Anyway, my point is I never answer the "Out of Area" calls! (Though I was somewhat surprised that they'd call that late at night!) Once I heard the familiar, dulcet tones of Biji emanating from the machine, however, I knew it was safe to pick up. :o)

I was able to chat with Biji for about 20 minutes or so and am happy to report that he has entered the final stretch of his deployment. He's in Kuwait now - he arrived a couple days ago - and will be there a couple months before finally heading home!! He sends his regards to everyone, of course.

Biji is surviving all right but he definitely sounded like he is ready to be home NOW (totally understandable). He'll have about a month off when he returns from Kuwait (and after a short detour at Fort Lewis, of course) and I can't think of anyone who deserves or is in need of it more!! Needless to say, we are all really looking forward to his visit. :o)

[Unfortunately, Robert was not able to participate in the phone call - he was still at work. Yep, you read that right. Whenever an issue of Half Times goes to the printer, Robert and his colleague spend the day there doing a press check. Well, this particular issue is roughly 8 pages longer than usual... which added up to, like, 7 extra hours of work! Seriously - the man did not walk through the front door until 12:45 last night (or rather, this morning). And he's, of course, going in to work as usual today. Ah, the glamorous life of a PR guru!! Me no likey.]

Here are some old photos of Bij in happier times:

This is a an old one - from summer '06 - but it's one of Robert's favorites

Biji's favorite chair

January '07 - Claim Jumper in Puyallup