Edinburgh-Calton Hill

9/9/06 - From the castle we headed back down Princess Street on our way to Calton Hill.

Here we are walking up and down the closes (alleys).

Chris was in heaven!!!

Still enjoying the streets.

This is the Heart of Midlothian where a 15th Century Tolbooth once stood. It was the administrative centre of the town, prison and a site of public execution. The criminal fraternity used to spit on the door of the tolbooth as they passed by, and this tradition persists with many Edinburghers still spitting on the Heart for luck as they walk past.

I insisted on finding the heart and made everyone spit on it. We saw several locals do it too, so I wasn't crazy.

Only Chris!!

I did make everyone go into Mary King's Close with me which was a guided tour down into the catacombs beneath the city. No one wanted to go but it turned out to be a highlight of our trip.

We finally made it to Calton hill and just enjoyed the beautiful light, not quite dusk or sunset but still breathtaking. A perfect ending to our day.

Edinburgh Castle #2

We're still just enjoying the views atop the outer walls.

Okay, now we're clowning around!

Yes, Chris is trying to stuff me into the cannon. He did ask if my beneficiary info was up to date on all my life insurance. Rude!!!

This was Mom's idea. Can you tell he's thrilled?

These are just various shots of us walking around the castle.
These were the guard shacks outside the military museum.
Chris and I couldn't resist.
I liked this lion outside the soldier memorial. He looked like he gave good snuggles.
Here's Mom in the middle of the square. This shot gives you a great idea of the actual size of the castle.

Edinburgh Castle #1

After the Scott Monument we went up the hill to tackle the castle again. We had a choice of taking more stairs or a steep hill. After 287 (now 288) steps we of course opted for the hill. This choice brought us through side streets with more shops where Mom and I just had to stop. Chris and dad were very patient.

Here Mom and Dad are relaxing while Chris and I got the tickets. Must be nice!! The guard at the front agreed that they seemed a bit dodgy!

Here we all are up at the top enjoying the views waiting for the One O'Clock cannon to go off.

I got this shot as the cannon went off. I knew it was coming but I still jumped, luckily the shot came out great. This cannon was/is used to synchronize the watches/clocks around the city.

Scott Monument

9/9/06 - We started off our morning by climbing the 287 steps to the top of The Scott Monument (200ft 6in high) for spectacular views of Edinburgh City and Castle.

These photos are of the spiral staircase (did I mention it was 287 steps) which progressivly became smaller and smaller. Chris eventually got stuck because of his MASSIVE shoulders. We all had to back down the stairs so could remove the backpack and turn sideways.

There were several levels where we could stop to take beautiful panoramics (or rest, it was 287 steps) with sculptures, stained glass and architecture to look at on each one.


Then it was a mad dash to the bottom making me very dizzy. Here I am trying to get my bearings.

Chris then tripped on a step coming out of the bottom landing and asked the workers if they had counted that step. Can you believe they started arguing about it? We think he discovered the 288th step!

FINALLY!!!!!

On October 28th, 2006 I walked across the stage to accept my Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Leadership, Summa Cum Laude from Sullivan University. Many of you were aware that I was taking courses and that I continue to take courses even now. But upon reflection (with Momma's help) I realized that I began taking courses in 1998 while stationed at Fort Hood. Eight years?!! No wonder it seems like it has taken me forever. But then again the transient nature of military life had a lot to do with that (not to mention two changes in my major). I started as a Computer Science Major but when I realized there would be no jobs left when I graduated I transferred to Hawaii Pacific University and began Corporate Communications. Upon arriving in KY I quickly learned that there was no such degree here and since I was working in Human Resources I decided I should probably have a degree in HR.

So with Chris deployed I began taking four courses (16 credit hours) at a time while continuing to work full time. One semester I took five courses (20 credit hours), I know it was insane but Chris wasn't here so what else was I going to do. Anyway, I finished Sullivan's degree program in just over a year .

Our house was full the week of graduation: Mom Eisler, along with Mom, Don, and Hannah all came out for the event and we had a wonderful time. Chris keeps telling me how proud he is and I swear he wants to make copies of my diploma to hang on every wall of the house. He has been very supportive of my education and professional drive. How nice it is to be so loved!!!!

I took one semester off so Chris and I could go back to Scotland with Mom and Dad Eisler. I know I owe everyone pictures, I'll get to it - I promise. We arrived back in the US on September 23rd, and I reported back to class on September 25th. I am currently working on my MBA in Human Resource Management and expect to finish in two years. I'll want a big PARTY for that graduation.

Love, Rhea Jo

Appreciation of Appreciation

There is a wonderful group of women that has invited me into their group for stamping and scraping. We get together about once a month and our September gathering happened to fall on the 11th. Our ring leader, my fabulous boss Lynn, suggested this would be a wonderful opportunity to reflect and appreciate our military, firefighters, and police. So we dedicated the day to making thank you cards for these brave individuals. We all brought the names and addresses of friends and family who are serving or have served our country and Lynn took care of the mailing. Chris and Scott were very excited when they received their cards and ran around bragging to all the other guys. Here they are showing them off.

Revenge

The latest story from Travis aka Mongo:

Just for a chuckle, I will tell you about how I got Chris. Apparently, he was getting bored. Either that, or he somehow sensed my conspiring to get my squirt gun back. In any case, he came into my room, dug it out of where he had concealed it and let me have it . . . with the squirt gun! Then he gives it back and scurries out of my room to the relative safety of his own room. AND he comes out later to pummel me with the womp’em stick, too. But I got him . . . I waited for him to go next door to see the boss and then I struck. I went into his room and squirted down his office chair leaving it completely soaked. (Before you begin to feel sorry for Chris, he has done this to me on 3 separate occasions. Twice I saw it and once I sat down w/o seeing it and got soaked!) Well, I of course lock my door in anticipation of the pummeling I will receive. Chris returns and tries my door, only to find it locked. I immediately labeled as “Rude”, and he returns to his room. I come out to go next door for something and I hear Chris call me a dirty name. I thought he had spotted my ambush earlier, when he tried my door. Chris had just sat down in his chair! He said he never saw it coming! I giggled like a little school girl! I had finally exacted “some” revenge for the torment I have received!

I never knew two grown men could make me laugh so hard. Love, Rhe

HM-6,

As previously discussed, the abuse continues. Apparently, Christopher interpreted our correspondence as justification for “pummeling” and the abuse escalated. Now, I am a mild mannered sort, but even I will eventually take steps to defend my self. Case in point: Chris will normally pummel me with the stick until I get riled up at which point he flees to his room. According to his rules, which change daily, I am not permitted to endeavor in any aggressive or pre-emptive action. I can merely defend myself in my own room.

I recently remembered that I had found a battery operated water gun and was waiting in ambush for Chris to make one of his pummel visits. Unfortunately, I underestimated his wiliness. He observed my ambush and evaded. I calmly waited for a return visit, but of course there wasn’t one. Presently, I left my room for one reason or another. I returned to find my office chair soaked and Chris behind locked doors! Rude! I knocked on the door, but he would only open it a peep. I naturally forced entry, forcing him to retreat behind his desk. As soon as he realized I wasn’t armed he had the audacity to ask if I had sat in the chair! I informed him I had not due to seeing the water beading on my chair, of course to his immense displeasure. Hrmph!

Vengeance! It was only a short while later when Chris felt the “Call of the Popcorn”. This “Call” forced him to leave the security of his room and enter the common “kitchen/living room” area. Fortune favors the bold! I arm myself and corner him next to the microwave and let fly with Revenge, sweet revenge! Of course, even this is short lived as Chris starts whimpering about being in his pajamas. (Sigh). At this point I have mercy and relent.

We are having fun passing the time, but I am sure that Chris’s cheerful demeanor is only in light of the fact that each day is one day closer to seeing you again. I can tell when he is Instant Messaging you because he is smiling from ear to ear.

Always respectfully, Mongo

SA Travis Gregory
___________________________________________________________________

Mongo,

Your stories are always great and make me feel as though I'm there with you guys. I apologize for any abuse these postings bring. I should also disclose that during any battle situation or evasive manuevers I fully support my Christopher. He is authorized to do whatever necessary to come out of the situation on top. As you have discovered he is quite cunning and I am thankful for that.

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

Rhe
HM-6

Wiffle Ball Abduction

Home Maker-6,

I could not pass on the opportunity to pass along another story of our “chris’s” “heroism”.

I awoke one morning to Chris asking me if I had heard anything unusual the night before. Now, you may remember from earlier correspondence that I am somewhat of a deep sleeper. Therefore, my response was “No”. Chris told me about how he had awoke in the middle of the night, about 0300, and lay there wondering why he had awoke. Then he relates how the waffle ball that he had hung on his wall chose that exact moment to fall from it’s perch. Of course, Chris relates, he was immediately up off of the bed, lights on, trying to determine the source of the noise and trying to verify that no “aliens” or “varmints” had come calling in the night. (I was rolling at this point!).

Note: Chris has been watching the X-files to all hours of the night and has been telling me that he has been having strange dreams as a result!

Fast forward to your most recent posting. You state in this post that Chris’s room is immaculate and no one is allowed in his room. For the most part, this is a true statement. However, Chris does leave his room on occasion. (Infrequently). When he is not in his room, I pay the room a visit. (Only sometimes). What I saw this morning brought a smile to my face as I chuckled, remembering the incident. On his desk, securely nestled between what appear to be computer speakers, is the waffle ball. (Refer to attached picture.) Apparently, Chris is not going to mount it back where it can fall in the middle of the night again! This our oh SO Brave, self-appointed, “Fox Moulder”!

P.S. I am sure he told me, but off the top of my head I can’t remember who it was. Thank you to whomever sent Chris the Stickball Bat and Wiffle ball. He carries that stick like a swagger stick and wacks me at least once a day!

SA Travis Gregory
___________________________________________________________________
Thanks Mongo. It was I who sent the stick ball set (Dad E. mailed it for me) so I feel I must apologize for the daily abuse you are now receiving. I should warn you though, if these postings keep coming the level and frequency of said abuse may increase significantly. This is a great story and a perfect example of why I love my husband so much.

Love, Rhe

A.K.A.

Ok, I've been told this story needs a bit of an introduction. So here goes. Many of you may be aware that one of Chris' ultimate goals in life is to obtain a nickname. For reasons unknown he has never had one. There have been many attempts to come up with one for him but none have ever taken. After all, he is a perfect "Chris." When I met him this was somewhat of a running joke between all the guys. Chris was the only one in the group without a nickname and they were constantly trying to come up with one. Well, Chris was outraged when I joined the group and had a nickname within a day (Walker, Texas Ranger). I have since obtained several more. Chris has now taken matters into his own hands and keeps trying to nickname himself. Of course the practice of self-nicknaming is strictly prohibited (regulation outlined below) and he knows this. This is the story of his most recent scheme. Should anyone have suggestions for an appropriate nickname, please feel free to submit them in an email and I'll submit a list to the committee for approval. Love, Rhe

___________________________________________________________________

Home Maker Six,

I have just been informed that I am to "dub" Chris with a nickname. Of course, as you can imagine, my mind is instantly flooded with possibilities. However, I was also informed that I have only two choices in the matter: "Fox" or "Moulder". I am confident that you know the source of these choices and rationale behind them. Now, I must confess . . . I addressed the "source" with certain inconsistencies between the persona of the character mentioned and the persona of the "source". However, the "source" became indignant and was steadfast in his belief that he shared some of the characteristics of his new hero. (I think we both know better, but I try not to discourage the child.)

As I am aware that you possess veto power over any/all decisions, I humbly submit these two choices for your consideration.

P.S. I don't want to hear that this memo did not cross your desk!

Mongo

SA Travis Gregory
___________________________________________________________________


Mongo,

I am in receipt of the attached memo. However, I must inform you that Regulation 05-42937 section 2a clearly states, "an individual may not under any circumstances designate a nickname for their own person." According to Section 2b, "Nor is it acceptable to design a list of names and submit them to a third party for approval under the ruse that the third party is actually designating the name."

You can clearly see that the request you received is in clear violation of both these clauses and therefore I must deny your petition.

The party in question has attempted this scheme numerous times and is fully aware of the specifications outlined in this regulation. I understand that he has always strongly desired a nickname and have attempted on many occasions to pool our resources to come up with an authorized nickname. Unfortunately, to date no one has found one that fits or sticks.

You mentioned that when originally approached with the prospect of designating a nickname for "chris" your mind instantly flooded with possibilities. You are more than welcome to submit a list of your own creations for approval. All submissions must be of your own design and will be submitted to the committee for review and possible approval.

Regarding the fact that the personality of the party in question does not match or fit the two names he suggested, I would have to agree. Therefore, even if this petition was not in violation of Regulation 05-42937 I would still not have approved either name.

I would like to thank you for bringing this matter to my attention and wish you all the luck with future submissions. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Rhea Jo Fernholz
"Home Maker-6"
HQ-3531 SB
Rineyville, KY
___________________________________________________________________

Home Maker-6,

Thank you for your prompt attention in this matter and clarification on the technical issues. I have long suspected that "chris" has been trying to skirt applicable regulations in this matter. My first clue is usually when he asks me to post something (for him), or e-mil something (for him). In my opinion he is a gross violator and subject to whatever discipline you deem as appropriate.

I will ponder the matter and endeavor to reduce the list to a manageable level before submitting for your review.

On a separate matter, I asked "chris" to respectfully submit a request on my behalf for travel pertaining to another investigation. I fear he may have been overcome in his enthusiasm in his latest attempts to obtain a nickname of his own choosing. I, unlike some, strictly adhere to regulations.

Lastly, is there a reference guide pertaining to applicable regulations? I am under no illusions as to my current "source".

Always respectfully,

Mongo

SA Travis Gregory
___________________________________________________________________

You guys suck!

Fox Moulder
___________________________________________________________________

Mongo,

I am glad you have come to the realization that while a stickler for rules that others must obey, when it comes to himself "chris" has somewhat of a blatant disregard for regulations. I have been dealing with this for several years now and indeed feel he could be considered a gross violator. My absence this year has only emboldened his endeavors. I trust that since you are now fully aware of the situation you will help me keep him in full compliance. Any violations should be immediately reported and the appropriate discipline will be issued upon his return.

On the separate issue of authorized travel, you are correct, that request was not appropriatly submitted by "chris." I would also assume that the new self-nickname scheme has preoccupied his mischievous mind. I have now received the request. However, I do not have the authority to approve such requests on my own. I will need to forward it to the Committee of Authorized Mission Travel for a vote. My background does enlighten me on the fact that the required information regarding the travel could not be provided in enough time to get preauthorization. Therefore I am sure that "chris" will make the trip and it will be noted as a violation to Regulation 04-89263 Section 3 which states, "All prohibited travel must be requested in advance on form DF 673 to the Committee of Authorized Mission Travel for approval." Section 2 of said Regulation also states that, "Under no circumstance is Christopher Fernholz to volunteer for any mission, travel, or activity." While Section 1 reads, "Christopher Fernholz is NEVER, under any circumstances to leave his secure room for the duration of the deployment."

As you can see, even travel that is appropriately requested is in direct violation of Section 1. Therefore even if approved it will be recorded as a violation and the appropriate discipline will be issued upon his return.

As to your last inquiry regarding a reference guide to applicable regulations, I have to be honest; I have been married to "chris" for 7 years and 7 months during which I have been forced to write numerous regulations. These are of course in addition to those written by Committee Members Eisler, Awtrey, Fernholz, and Bihlear which all remain effective as well. Due to the sheer amount of documentation, I feel it would simply be easier to contact me regarding possible violations. I will at that time be able to tell you whether the act is indeed a violation and provide the appropriate Regulation and Section numbers. This will also ensure that I am immediately notified of noncompliance.

I wish you all the luck and sincerely look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Rhea Jo Fernholz
"Home Maker-6"
HQ-3531 SB
Rineyville, KY

New Digs

These are all pictures of Chris' new room. They were taken shortly after his arrival to the new FOB. I'm sure that most of us know that Chris had undoubtedly rearranged and changed things around numerous times since these photos were taken. But you get the general idea. By the way, per Chris, NO ONE is allowed into his room. (They might mess something up!!!)