Thu 9/02/10 12:58 AM

Hey Fav,

Ryan's number is XXX_XXX_XXXX, he said that he will be here till the 19th if I remember it right. He is not the boy I worked side by side with when we were building the houses. I guess the best way to describe it is that he is all grown up and a man now. I like him a lot better than both his parents combined that's for sure. Ryan kept saying not to worry about you. I told him that I'm not too worried. I know you are physically capable of doing your job and you are good at solving problems and quick thinking. OMG you have definitely increased your muscle mass in Afghanistan. I told Ryan about how you said you never wanted to see a mountain again and he said that he never wanted to see sand. At least you aren't in a combat theater like Vietnam, Korea or the South Pacific. During WWII soldiers fighting in the south pacific had their uniforms rotting off their bodies because of the hot, wet climate. Most of them looked like walking skeletons after only a few months. Their also had a very hard time receiving any type of supplies like food and ammunition.

I drove up to Shirley's tonight after work to pick up Gretchen's chocolate girl, I put her on a plane super early friday morning to fly to Louisiana. I have someone scheduled to visit the puppies on Saturday. Shirley has 4 puppies flying Friday to Alaska to different people there.

I'm so glad to hear that Ethan is doing so good and that you've been able to talk to his family. I know that probably helps you to know what's going on with him and it helps his family also to be able to share it with you. Where is Ethan from? I was trying to remember if he was from around here or not.

I love you and miss you bunches and bunches Mom, XOXOXOX