Feb 26, 08:30

This photo of the laydown yard and tower beyond shows the Hindu Kush range some 30 miles away

Feb 24, 14:00 keeping warm at the burn barrel

Afghan Nationals going to work on the base.

Feb 20 21:00

The weather is improving as is my health. 10 day flu, yikes. Sunny today with temperature around 60, it feels like spring. I spend the one day off doing laundry, shopping at the bazaar, and exploring the base. New job duties include mobilizing materials for TFI. Materials shipped by C17 freighter arrive on Air Force pallets and sent to the Army laydown yard. From there, European and US standards material are separated and repacked into 20' cargo containers. My partner and I work with Sgt. Terstreip who is an IBEW wireman and reservist from Tucson. Days go fairly quick yet leave time for daydreaming. For the first time in years I have idle time to sit and ponder. Often, distant memories come back for no apparent reason, either I have lost another screw or the lack of pressure and stress allow the mind to roam freely. It is a strange and pleasant phenomonon. I think that in a way, my passion for current events, politics, and being connected, led to stress that I was unaware of. The stock market, unemployment reports, political bickering, trade deficits, global warming, so much generally depressing information and news- gone. Mostly. News is seen here in measured doses generally, and brought to us by the Armed Forces network. AFN is non-partisan and broadcasts shows from the entire spectrum.

Feb 20 20:00 Former Soviet MIG bunker

Feb 15 19:10

Sick. Picked up the crud late last week and it has now turned into the mother of all head/chest colds with body aches. It is particularly challenging since the overnight low is 8F and we generally work outside. Medical support for contractors is non-existant with the exception of loss of limb or life threatening injury. A medical issue would require a flight to Dubai which could take days to arrange. A simple infection, untreated, could easily cost thousands. The motto here is "take care of your hands, feet, and teeth". The weather is generally clear with a few high clouds during the day. Daytime highs are around 50, it feels much warmer in the sun. It makes for plenty of facial color, and few have the prison pallor. In bed by 8 up at 5 looking for a productive cough instead of the current the death rattle.

Home sweet home. Common area in former Soviet bunker. 12 inch concrete walls