Today the power came on in the barracks. The bad news is the AC did not.

I'm just so glad to get back in my room.

For those of you who don't know:

A fire hydrant rusted through and sprung a leak the leak soon eroded away the soil under the hydrant the pipe burst and flooded the basement utility room. The water had to be pumped out and dried out ... it took days.

So I finally made it back.

~West

You know, It takes just one question to spur emotion. Today's was: What is your hometown like?

You never really appreciate something until it's gone. Now that I think about it, Reedley was an awesome place. I look back and just realize how good of a town Reedley was. very little crime, a decent education (if you took the time to learn it,) a tight knit community, and almost a sence of peace of mind in our own little world aside from the real world. I can't wait till I retire there, drinking tea out on the back porch, watching my kids swim in the pool, and just watching time go by. It's an awesome dream and I truly hope someday that happens. I want to start my own architectual firm there. I know that the business will suck but I'll still be getting that retirement check from the Army if I tough it out. Am I crazy to want to go back after seeing the crime and poverty of other towns, of other countrys? I say no. I also have a mission for the rest of you citizens of reedley, if you choose to accept it, and I know you will, I just want a few pictures from the downtown area. Artistic pictures. Those of you who have photo as a class, this would be a good oppertunity for you. I want the pictures to show the other guys what it's like back home. Well, I think I rambled on about Reedley enough.

~West