Mark's Expeditions in Technology and Life

I have been asked several times what my Barracks Room is like. Well, it is a room on the top floor of the building. We jokingly refer to it as my "Penthouse Suite," with a view of the parking lot to die for! The room is about the size of a nice sized hotel room. It is appointed with a full sized bed, large refrigerator, table, a love seat, a pre-computer desk, and the ever important recliner. I think I have slept more in that recliner than have in my bed! It must have an ether dispenser built into it. When I sit in it, I am usually asleep within 5 minutes. The walls are made of concrete, so I do not often hear my neighbors. All things considered, it is not a bad place to live, but I do miss living in a house. Pictures of the room can be found here . By the way, the picture at the start of my post, is NOT the view from my room. It is the view from a room on the OTHER side of the Barracks. I am so jealous!!! This year, the Band did three separate Christmas concerts...

I am wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. I hope that you all have had a wonderful Christmas, and will have a happy, safe, and successful New Year. This year for Christmas, I went over to a friend's house and had a grill fest. Hamburgers and Chicken, with a side of chips and homemade dip. It was great. The enclosed picture is of the Shi Dogs that are in front of the Naval Hospital out here. (You can click on the photo to get a larger view) They dressed them up as Santa and an Elf. Shi dogs are the traditional protectors of an Okinawan household. You see them all over the island, not only at private homes, but in front of business as well. They range in size from a couple of inches high to several feet high! The use of the Shi dogs was introduced to Okinawa from China. I hope to get a nice set for my next place before I leave the Island. The one on the right, who has its mouth open is the male of the pair. His mouth is open to draw in the evil...