Escaping the Wintery Blues

There is still a bit of snow on the ground from the last wintery storm. I, personally, am looking forward to the fresh blooms of spring. Any day now....I can't complain too much. This has been a mild winter. Now that Geo is home to fire up the snowblower all I have to do is make hot chocolate and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the super cold days.

To escape the season we took a trip to Longwood Gardens to see the Orchid Extravaganza. What a breath of fresh air. If you live anywhere near Kennet Square you must plan a trip to the Garden (exhibit ends on 31 March). Is is well worth the admission fee.


In addition to the orchids we explored Longwoods new Indoor Children's Garden. It rocked! I HIGHLY recommend that you bring a change of clothes if you plan to take your little one (or husband) to this part of the garden. There are 17 fountains in addition to several other water features.

We had a blast getting wet. Sophia cried when we had to pack up and leave..which was right after we all started showing signs of acute hypothermia. We headed downstairs to the restrooms (which are conveniently located nearby) to change. After hitting the road it only took a mile or so before she was sleeping.

Sunny Sunny Florida

We had a beautiful week in Florida. I'm sure I don't have to mention that I had a hard time boarding the plane to fly home. Despite news of unseasonably warm weather in Pennsylvania, it just didn't compare to the week of 80 degree weather we were having.

Taking a vacation was a great idea. Sophia and I were both fighting off a cold and the warm sun and ocean air was exactly what we needed.

We stayed in Hillsboro Beach at an Armed Forces Recreation site, about 20 miles north of Fort Lauderdale. We rented a one bedroom bungalow at the foot of the Hillsboro Lighthouse and less than 400 yards from the beach. Here is a photo from the top of the lighthouse:
The lighthouse and bungalows were right next to the Hillsboro Club and due to the long standing relationship between to two organizations ("The Club" and the Coast Guard), we were permitted to use several of the amenities that the club provided such as the business center, the cafe, swimming pool, croquet and clay tennis courts.
Sophia wasn't fond of the ocean water or noise and she tired us out trying to put every last grain of sand, sea shell and piece of seaweed in her mouth. We decided that we should make use of the swimming pool for our swimming pleasure....
After some initial anxiety the bold Sophia that we all know and love came out to play. She especially loved floating around the pool sucking and biting on the noodles that the pool had for guests to play with.
And what would vacation be without recreational activities? George and I have always been an outstanding team. It is one of the things that I missed the most in his absence. During our vacation we took turns playing with Sophia while the other took advantage of the break to enjoy our favorite recreational activities.

Geo even remembered to pack his! I, on the other hand, had to become resourceful. In the rush of packing I managed to only remember the pattern book, finished pieces and one skein of yarn (2 less than needed to complete the project). In a fit of panic I called Katie for directions to the nearest yarn store. Thank goodness for cell phones and internet!

The News

1. Yes, Geo is home.
2. Yes, We're wonderful
3. We're headed to Florida for the week.
4. Geo is standing over my shoulder harassing me about posting just minutes before we leave for the airport.

I have photos and good cheer to share but as for now.........we're off to play in the sun!

Family and Friends Update

You probably know already that we all arrived safely at Fort Riley real early yesterday morning. On about an hour's sleep, we went right into a day of activities, without even time for lunch, but we had a nice welcome home pizza party with our Brigade Commander, his Command Sergeant Major and the Deputy Divison Commanding General last night.

With one exception, we all plan on traveling to our homes tomorrow to complete the mission. (1SG Walter has to stay a couple days to get some orders fixed.)

It has been a long year, family and friends, and it feels good to be able to report that this mission is accomplished. We are still deeply saddened by the loss of our dear comrades, but anxious to be home with you again.

My wife sent me these lyrics last October (below), right after we passed the one year mark on our mobilization. I think they are appropriate to contemplate now that we are back from spending one year (and two days) in theater. I know for many of you, you were just waiting on the news that we were out of country.

Thank you for all of your support to your Soldier and the team over the past 15 months. I know that it has not been easy for you, just as it was not easy on us to be away from you. I hope the reunions go well, but I am sure that we will have to get used to coming back to a home that has been functioning fine on its own for more than a year!

We are planning on holding a welcome home dinner for the team with family members and guests in early April. I will send you more details within the next month.

With Very Best Regards,

GEORGE M. SCHWARTZ
LTC, AR
Team Leader/Senior Mentor
1st Brigade, 201st Corps (ANA ETT)


SEASONS OF LOVE
from Rent

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

In Daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life?

How about love?
How about love?
How about love? Measure in love

Seasons of love.
Seasons of love.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned,
Or in times that he cried,
In bridges she burned,
Or the way that he died.

It's time now to sing out,
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love!
Remember the love!
Remember the love
Measure in love
Seasons of love!
Seasons of love.

Oh you got to remember the love,
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love, spread love
Measure, measure your life in love.

Another Chapter Concludes

Dear Family & Friends,

We arrived safely in Manas last night, ending our year in Afghanistan.

Everyone is doing well despite the cold throughout the region. We spent most of yesterday at Kabul International outside or in a drafty tent, and then had an uneventul flight here to arrive to bitter cold. It was 0 degrees F when we arrived.

We are all in a large tent housing a couple hundred guys, but comfortable enough. The hardy Pennsylvanians are holding up well, and no one seems to be having any problems with the cold.

We expect to be here a couple more days now, and should arrive in Kansas over the weekend. Remember, we plan to be there about five days for outprocessing.

I'll write you again when we arrive there, and after that, you should be hearing from your Soldier so that he can let you know when his flight gets in.

We have been informed that there will not be group travel to Scranton, so everyone should be arriving at an airport close to their homes now.

Best to all,

GEORGE M. SCHWARTZ
LTC, AR
Team Leader/Senior Mentor
1st Brigade, 201st Corps (ANA ETT)

She Has Quite A Bold Personality

She has showed an early interest in religion, spirituality (and Katie's inheritance)...

...loves books and craft items...

...enjoys a snack once in a while...



...has perfect oral hygiene...



..helps out around the house...


But....
...Is not so fond of the wintery weather...



...hates Peach Mango Chutney and whenever Mom tries to cook...



...and did I mention that she LOVES jam?