On Our Way

“Far from over”

Julia and I started our great journey from “home” to a life of our own. Julia keeps saying that we have not really experienced “married life” yet because we have not really moved into a place of our own. We have had a somewhat extended honeymoon. After our cruise, we went back to Indiana for a few weeks to figure out what we were going to do with housing and moving to Oklahoma. We intended to only stay for a week and a half or so before we moved on down to Lawton. Well that turned into around 3 weeks. We found out that we could stay on the base for $42 a night (that would be for me) with an additional $5 a night if Julia was included. Well for TDY (temporary duty) I get the $42 reimbursed while the $5 is out of pocket. In all honesty, we could not have asked for a better situation then that. Security, convenience and fully furnished for a low $5 a night can’t be beat.

The drive down on June 23 was fun. Driving down through Illinois and Missouri was nice. Once we got into Oklahoma, it started looking a little like the California Central Coast. Oak trees spread across a dry grassy landscape with ranch and farm houses dotting the country side. It was pretty, a little humid still, but nice. Lawton on the other hand was dirty and dilapidated. Fortunately the base is relatively nice and clean. Julia and I found where we were going to put our “things” into storage for the short time that we were going to be in California and not in our apartment. You see, we couldn’t move into our place on the base until 4 July. We flew out of Oklahoma City on 28 June and then back on 3 July, during that time we had to keep our stuff somewhere. Storage was the only solution. Fortunately, we found an air-conditioned unit so we did not have to worry about damage. After moving all of our stuff in during the hot of the day, we went to the base. We were able to go on base and see a little of what we were going to be living around. We stopped by Clothing Sales (that is where we buy our uniform stuff in the military) and I got the remaining items that I needed for my uniforms before I report and then headed on down toward Dallas.

We actually did not go to Dallas right away. We went to Collin’s (Daniel Ice’s friend) ranch on the Brazos River. That was amazing. There were some amazing views and plenty to do. There were about 3 other couples there and then a group of their friends. We met them mostly through Daniel Ice and his wife Stephanie. We rode quads and went to the lake, shot some guns and had a cook-out. It was great meeting so many new people.

Once the weekend was over, Julia and I went on to Dallas to spend a little time with Daniel and Stephanie at their home. They always have so much hospitality. We enjoyed an evening with them and the Monday morning, we headed up to Oklahoma City. It took us a little while to find a hotel that night but we did and then got up the next day for our flight to California.

California was great. We were able see so many people, family and friends. Dad took a day off from work and my sister Alison, Julia, my dad and I went to Lake Naciamento for the day. Julia had never been, and I have always talked about it so I was happy that we were able to go. We all got a little burnt but it was not that bad. Although my dad put sun screen on all of his body, he forgot his face. You can guess where he burned.

Amber (my cousin), Alison, Trevor (my sister and brother), Julia and I went to see War of the Worlds on Friday. It was really good, but the cost of a movie ticket anymore is ridiculous. But it was fun to do something with them.

Saturday was our California reception. It was a blast. Julia’s parents flew in from Indiana which was great. It is always fun to have both our parents together. Lots of people came, some of which I had not seen in years. Al Ikada and his family were there. Al gave me Clarinet lessons back in Jr and Sr High. He now works with my dad. I saw Mr and Mrs Schmutz from Jr and Sr High band. That was great to see them again. Mr Schmutz has been dealing with cancer so everyone can be praying for him. There was a large turnout from the people in the church and that was exciting. Everyone was so generous.

We then caught our flight out of San Luis Obispo to Oklahoma City. Everything went well and we made it in. We spent the night there and then drove down to Lawton/ Ft Sill the next morning which happened to be the 4th of July. It was not the most enjoyable way to spend the holiday but we had to do it. We moved in to what amounted to little more then a hotel room. It is small but we are content.

Classes have started and I hope that I can keep you up to date on what is going on here. We have limited Internet so it may be hard at times.

Stay safe. Kellen and Julia.