MDA Poker Run

Signed in at City Cycle Sales in Junction City around 1115 for the MDA poker run. Kickstand was up at 1200 and after 120 miles and two stops we were at RC McGraws in Manhattan to determine the best poker hand. I was tied for second with three kings, so we had to draw to see who would be the winner of two $50 visa check cards. I let the lady go first, because I am like that, and had to beat a 7. I drew a 3 and that was that. The ride was great and the weather was fantastic.

Stockton Lake

We did it again and I survived! We spent the weekend camping at Stockton Lake in MO. Ryan and his brothers, dad and nephew fished like crazy all weekend. They had very few successes. Gab, the only girl fishing (hahaha) caught the biggest fish of the weekend. On Saturday we rented a pontoon boat and spent the day on the lake with the boys fishing and the girls laying on rafts floating around just relaxing. It was great to have nothing to do all weekend. I hate to admit it, but I had a blast and am looking forward to the trip next year!

Deployment Ceremony, OIF 7 (2009-2010)

On Thursday, August 13 the colors of the 4 IBCT cased their colors. They will be uncased once the brigade arrives in Iraq and sets up for the year ahead. Ryan and 1SG Mike Clauss lead B. Co. 4-1 BSTB.

AZ visit

Ryan, Eric and Alex went to Arizona to visit Grandma Bea and Aunt Deb on the weekend of August 8, 2009. Eric and Alex flew out of STL and Ryan from KC. They all met up in Denver for the trip to Phoenix where they rented a car and drove to Prescott. Over the weekend they ate (a lot), hiked, swan and visited with family. The trip was fast and fun.

...until the house is flooded

When Ryan and I left Mexico we spent the night in St. Louis and hung out with the family. On Saturday afternoon we arrived home to quite the surprise. First there were two huge limbs laying in the side yard. Ryan went to check on those while I went inside the house. I immediately heard running water. I though the ice maker was messed up. Then I looked to my right. There was standing water everywhere. Ryan came in pulled the refrigerator out and the water supply line was spraying water everywhere. He got that turned off while I went downstairs to assess the damage. I was shocked! I found water pouring from the ceiling, or what was left of it, standing water on the floor and the paint dripping off the walls. About this time Ryan came downstairs. Neither one of us knew where to begin with the cleanup and we were thinking of all the hard work to finish the basement the was literally washed away. SO...then we collected ourselves and called USAA. They are awesome!

Talked to the claim rep for about an hour and within two hours. There were two guys from ServiceMaster cleaning up the mess. The guy in charge, Roy, did a walk through and gave us the run down of what was damaged. As it turns out, it was even more of a disaster than first thought. Not only was the basement a loss, but the tile we did last summer on the main floor was a loss too. Apparently there is no way to dry the subfloor without removing the tile first. Because of all the work to be done Roy called in two more guys to help with the demo and drying process. From 2100 to 0110, there were four guys steadily working, drilling holes in drywall, ripping out carpet and padding, pulling down drywall, breaking up tile and backer board and setting up fans and dehumidifiers. The drying process, which sounds like a Chinook landing in the living room, will take 3-4 days. Tomorrow the adjuster comes out to begin to figure out the loss and get someone here to start rebuilding.

As best we can put together (with the help of Roy's assessment) about 5 days ago (while we were sipping drinks on the beach) the water began spewing out of the supply line. The water ran down the wall behind the fridge, all over the first floor and down the air conditioning ducts (which means those have to be inspected before we can turn on the a/c). The water pooled in the ceiling in the basement and it eventually fell in. The water continued to run until we turned it off yesterday. (I can only imagine what the water bill will be this month :) The water fiasco pictures pretty much tell the story. At this point we have no idea what will be a total loss and what can be salvaged. We'll keep you posted.

What a way to end vacation!

Mexico

For four wonderful days we laid on the beach, drank yummy tropical concoctions, and completely relaxed. The resort was fantastic; the food and service, too. The only disappointment was the beach. Out in front of the resort was a reef. The waves churned up all sorts of seaweed and ocean gunk. The water was also only knee deep as far out as we could walk. Instead of playing in the ocean we just headed to the pool to cool off. We are already planning our next trip!

There's no place like home

Today was all about the ride. We left North Platte, NE at 0900 and drove home. We got home around 1615. It was a great trip. We learned a few things; you have to ride a day and a half out of Kansas to see pretty scenery, your butt gets numb after 6 days on the bike and America IS beautiful. If you haven't taken a trip to the national parks I would suggest it.

This afternoon has been all about getting ready for Mexico. Ryan has done the yardwork and I've done laundry and repacked, although not nearly as efficiently this time!