Sailor for Two Weeks

With all the disasters going on in Japan, the Navy elected to pull the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON out of Yokosuka. We were in the middle of a maintenance period, so there was more work to do, so several hundred shipyard workers got underway with the carrier to continue on with the work. The ship really claimed us as members of their crew and we began to experience the life of sailors at sea.Me posing in front of the island during the "Steel Picnic". They set up a barbecue, music, and games on the flight deck and we all took a long lunch. There were people doing Sumo Wrestling, radio controlled car races, tossing footballs and baseballs. The deck is covered with non-skid which would feel like you fell on to a cheese grater, so I didn't see anyone diving for any of those balls.

I was assigned to a two man stateroom. My room mate was a very nice Lt. Commander who showed me the ropes on how to live on board and gave me a nice tour of the bridge. The cabinets above housed most everything I brought with me (which was a fair amount since I packed like a refugee...)

Slightly different angle shows the sink and mirror where we kept all our toiletries.

My rack. Even though I am 6' 3" tall, it took me quite a while before I could easily get in and out of the top rack. I brought a sleeping bag and was glad I did so. Once I got used to the odd sounds, motion, and schedules, I actually slept quite well. You can see that we get curtains for privacy and a light for reading.

The view in the other direction showing the door and how the cabinet opens up to be a desk. The bags hanging on the bulkhead (wall) to the left are laundry bags. They are net bags you fill half way full of dirty laundry, clip shut, and then signal for pick-up. They come and pick up your laundry bag and wash and dry it all in the bag. Our shipyard laundry was slightly different, but still used the bags. I always wondered how everyone didn't lose all their socks...

The passage way from our state room to the head (bathroom). One is required to be fully clothed when walking between your state room and the head. And when you accidentally lock yourself out of the room, it makes the walk up to the office a bit more dignified... :-]

They open up the flight deck for physical fitness quite often and I got out twice to run. It is just short of a half a mile around. One has to watch out for some obstacles, but it is generally safe and clear for a good work-out. There is a wonderful view of the ocean in all directions. You get the feeling that you are running on your own little private dessert island with one big rectangular palm tree. And, there is definitely an upwind and a downwind leg of each lap!

Every once in a while, the ship would get fresh food and supplies brought to them from a supply ship. All the supplies were carried over by helicopters and then stowed below. Quite an operation. The video below shows some of the operation.

After a little over two weeks at sea, our work was complete and we had a chance to get off the ship. We pulled in to Sasebo, Japan, which is a Navy base, but isn't big enough to allow the carrier to pull up to the pier. So, the ship anchors out in the bay and barges of supplies are brought out and water taxis run people back and forth. The picture above has our water taxi in the foreground and the aircraft carrier WAY in the background.

Took a little video of the vertical replenishment operation:

Talent Show Performance

I went to my sister's this weekend to visit her, and my mom. We went to her Ward's Talent Show. William wanted to be in it, so Marilyn pulled some strings, and here it is! Sorry for the dim lighting.

Anthony Playtime 3/31

One of William's friends is a son of another PSNS and IMF Japan Detachment employee. So, we are fortunate to be able to go play with them. Stefan (on the bike) and William (in the box) have set up a trick course, and the person in the box gets to judge the performance.

Ian got on the little skateboard. I ran for my camera. His mom ran for the helmet. Hang 10, little bro!
His dad is also a boarder, so at 18 months, we're thinking he's showing promise. Move over, Tony Hawk!
William pushing Stefan in the car. They played for 4 hours straight. Boxes, tape.. eventually they made a fort. Boy stuff.
There was plenty of bike-riding, too. And Hallie got into the groove on the hoppity-hop.
And this is Dougie with the safety glasses and hair done up with colored paper clips. What an awesome day with friends. It was very centering. A little normalcy amongst the upheaval.

Piano Lessons in America 3/29

William has just started piano lessons. Wanting to keep the interest going, I called Tim's and my old piano teacher. He usually teaches advanced students, and he also teaches at the local college.

He made room in his schedule to help us keep William occupied and interested. We are so grateful to him.
William is loving piano lessons and practices a lot. He has pianos at Aunt Diane's, Aunt Corky's, Aunt Marilyn's, and Mummi Kay's. So, he's set with venues.

He ripped through an entire book the first week. We are on to more advanced stuff. He's starting to really have to concentrate with the new keys he's playing in.

Fun with the Cousins 3/20

Leaving Japan was emotional and trying for me. For William, I think it feels like a normal summer vacation.

We visit Aunt Diane and the farm, Eno Brad and Mummi Kay, and Tim's brother's kids, 'the cousins.'

So, when Noel called and offered to have William visit, I was happy. I got a lot done the first day, and when I called to check-up on things, William wanted to spend the night. Aunt Corky went through the 'too small clothes' and found some pajamas to give to us. Bonus!

The next day I took the ferry over to visit with them. Uncle Noel took 'The Yoder' to the Boy Scout Fun Day. We were following him, when he zipped off-course, up and over a hill. William LOVED it! Ah, the thrill of 4-wheel drive!
We went to a local game place. You know the type, you plunk in your tokens, and you get to play.
Cousin Aidan on the pin ball machine.
Thayer and Noel racking up the score. DOH!
William and I tried this one. Wasted a couple of tokens, oh well...

William LOVES mini golf. The cousins, and another scout played a round with him.
And this is what you get for your effort. Tickets. Corky is helping William 'cash in' his tickets. You get a receipt where you can 'buy' cheesy toys and candy.

The line was long, so William opted to not get a toy, so that he could leave with Noel and ride the Yoder home.
The second time out on the track, William rode with Aidan.

It was an absolutely fun day.

Magic Touch 3/27

There is magic that happens with a child when you pay them special attention. They seem to grow in self-esteem. It's the feeling of being loved, and loving in return.

Eno Brad asked if William would be interested in magic tricks. I replied, "Who wouldn't be?" So, he got a couple easier card tricks for William to learn.
William may struggle a bit with the shuffling and the dexterity, but he can still amaze the crowd. Kristi was the perfect first person to impress.
Eno Brad not only gave him a junior magician certificate, but made a 'license,' laminated and all, for him. It is funny... before every magic trick, William shows the folks his 'license to create magic.'

There's something about sharing a passion with a child who loves the same things as you do. Of course, William can be passionate (some would call it obsessed) about a lot of things. Currently he's interested in Interstate highways, and studies the maps constantly. Uncle Arnold, who has driven many of them, and he were reviewing maps last night.

William was describing our route to Mummi Kay and Eno Brads, and south of Portland he points and says, "Right about here, it got really boring!" :)

But, the trip down was worth it to enjoy relatives, and to be spoiled!

Kristi kept taking William on cat hunts. They devised a 'dinner trap' with cat food and cat nip. When that wasn't having the affects desired, they did an 'EXTREME dinner trap.' That included tuna. It worked. :) William had dinner traps at every corner, cranny, and turn.

Love you Mummi Kay, Eno Brad, Kristi, Max (who actually let William pet him without food coercion on the final day), and LC!