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Well, I made it safely home and I couldn't of been happier.



Christmas dinner at Grandma's
A Christmas pageant at church.
The new flags that were put up in my absence.

Click on logo

This was interesting to look at if you have a few spare minutes. It's a look at what USA Today thinks are the most defining sayings, objects, or ideas of the last 25 years.

Burst appendix spurs Navy cruise rescue

I thought this was a cool story, I couldn't imagine what this girl went through.

AHH snow.

I never would have thought I'd want to see it so bad.

I've got a roomate now.

I'm not that excited.

Chuck Norris facts

When Chuck Norris does a push-up, he isn't lifting his body up, he's pushing the world down.


The leading causes of death in the United States are:
1. Heart Disease 2. Chuck Norris 3. Cancer


Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

Chuck Norris is so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.

Chuck Norris can win a game of Connect Four in only three moves.

There are no steroids in baseball. Just players Chuck Norris has breathed on.

I no longer have internet in my barracks so I am going to be handicapped as far as keeping up my blog every day. I have 5 days until I make the trip home Lord-willing, and am looking forward to seeing everyone.

Patriots Proud Of Defeating Whoever That Last Team Was

Well, it's over...

And we went 3-2 today and loss the championship game. So we rounded out the tournament going 10-2 and came in second place. We also received $25 gift cards to Applebees. Not bad.
Next up is volleyball, we'll have to see how that pans out.

Other than that, everything has been going well here. My daily routine of cleaning government buildings has been going smoothly and I am progressively becoming more adept at running floor buffers and dustmops. I guess someone has to do it, or so I'm told.
I am, however, greatly looking forward to returning to Vt. after being away for 5 months. And though I've been in a lot of interesting places and been able to meet people and make good friends, there is truly no place like home. Merry Christmas.

Happy Birthday Job!

To be honest, I'm really looking forward to seeing this bad boy....

Oops! Vt. school's No. 5 rank a mistake

It's every math teacher's mantra: Check your work.
Apparently, Standard & Poor's didn't........

We improved to 7-0 with two victories today.We are the only undefeated team, the second best is 5-2.

My day...

Cleaned, swept, cleaned again, swept again,took out some trash and oh yeah, cleaned again.
A Chief asked me today "What have you done for your Navy?!" I said, "cleaned"

No one know for sure why people hiccup. A hiccup is caused by the diaphragm going into spasms that change our normal breathing pattern.
As you take in more air in the diaphragm, your mouth and throat are trying to keep air from entering. It becomes a battle between the diaphragm and the mouth and throat. The rush of air hits your vocal cords and makes a "hic" sound. When the diaphragm settles down after a few minutes, breathing becomes normal again and the hiccups are gone.

On this day..

1719 - The first recorded sighting of the Aurora Borealis took place in New England.

"I'm shipping up to Boston"

-Dropkick Murphys-

I'm not a big fan of the screaming but the tune is alright.

The Patriots once again prove to the world that they are the best

34-13 over Pittsburgh, 3 more w's for a perfect season

Ninja Parade Slips Through Town Unnoticed Once Again

December 7th, 1941

" A date that will live in infamy......."

The flags flew at half-mast today.

Could it be?

In my time back at Great Lakes Il, I spent vast amounts of time at the local USO. Fine food, drinks and entertainment, all free. God Bless them. Anyhow, one time I wandered into their library and saw this poster hanging on the wall. It was of Navy Lieutenant Bulkeley and his wife on the porch of the Clarendon Hotel back in 1942. Now I don't know who this guy was but he seemed to be a rather prominent person by what they had about him to read there.

The Clarendon Hotel is a large structure with a rather Victorian-era flare about it. Although now it is little more than a warehouse for antiques, back in it's day it was the place to stay at if you were a well-respected or prominent person.


I have tried to do some research on whether this is the hotel listed on the poster but to no avail. If it indeed is I find it rather ironic to find one's hometown in a place so far away.

The Clarendon Hotel

Well, we improved to 5-0 with 3 wins today. Tuesday is the championship. Bring it on.

Well, my predictions were wrong on the dodgeball tourney, although they weren't entirely baseless. Only 1/2 of my team actually showed up to play and we were combined with another team that were short of their players. We played two matches and won them both so we go into tomorrows quarterfinals 2-0 and as the team to beat.

A dodgeball tournament

We are having a barracks dodgeball tournament starting tomorrow. It is one of those "volounteer/mandatory" events. With the team I'm on, I doubt we'll make it out of the 1st round.

On this day..

I haven't done this in a while....

1775 - John Paul Jones hoisted the first seagoing American flag.

1967 - In Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first human
heart transplant, on Louis Washkanski. Washkanski lived 18 days with the new heart.

This passage struck me this morning as I was reading it, verse 5 and 6 have been especially helpful to me in the last year.

Proverbs 3
1 "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.

2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

In fits of boredom.....

......I took pictures today....

Two of Ireland's Finest.....

Tomorrow morning at 2:30 A.M, I will be leaving Great Lakes,Illinios for Norfolk,Virginia. I am glad to be leaving this place but am also preparing for what I will face down in Va. Thank you all for your prayers and support. The next time I post will Lord-willingly be from somewhere in Virginia.
The picture is what came up when I googled images for Norfolk.

Happy Thanksgiving

I think it is rather cliche to say that in America we are very blessed. However, it is the truth.
I have been given life, a free country to whom I am in service too, a wonderful family who I would not trade for the world, and the King who laid down his life for me so that I could be truly thankful.
This year, my circumstances have changed and I cannot be home, I have been taken in by some people who I don't know. I will be sure to report on that later. Thank-you everyone who I know that has played a role in my life. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

For Mom

Americans Announce They're Dropping Out Of Presidential Race

......

"....Peck, there are several different looks that a woman can give you."
"First, there is the quick glance that lets you know that she is taken and she hardly noticed you at all."
" Then there is the quick sideways glance that lets you know that she noticed and she shoots you another one for good measure."
" Then there is the one that tries to act like she didn't notice you but to no avail, you can see her looking underneath her eyebrows."
" Then there is the look that she can't take her eyes off of you,they are locked on, that's when you strike."
"You see that look Peck, and it's over, you go get her! Don't wait!"

Words of wisdom from my buddy Mckelvin, while on an excursion to Evanston, a comfortable suburb of Chicago.

Hi MOM!

We sang this in church this past Sunday, It never ceases to amaze me.


When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,It is well, it is well, with my soul!

How I spent part of Veterans Day

Shooting pool with my buddy Rottinghaus.

We had gone into Chicago and visited some of the spectacular museums they have down there free of charge to military members but my camera didn't save any of the photos due to low battery.

This song has always brought me back, like a cold glass of lemomade in the summer......

I am out of school and officially on hold.
I wax floors and clean all day now.
Your tax dollars at work my friends.

Tomorrow, lord-willing, this particular school will be a memory.

I woke up this morning,stretched,shaved,woke up the guys, turned on the Herald online, and guess what I saw....

Pico, Baby!

It looks unbelievably good.

It's that time of year again

The Boston Red Sox finished strong and brought the World Series trophy back to Beantown. They did it once again in dramatic fashion with a stunning repeat of the sweep they did 3 years ago. Although I am happy that they won, it's once again that time to put the sport to rest for another winter, anxiously anticipating pitchers and catchers in February and watching the trading deals.

Yes, the last baseball game of the year always puts a lump in my throat, but the Sox finished as best they could and for that, I am glad. So here is to the greatest game ever played......many thanks for the hours of entertainment on many a lazy summer night, to those games that I had to miss, periodically checking scores. To the friendly jesting between friends, and the best thing ever....

The promise that it will all happen again next year.

Some reading that might be beneficial

Can I have a witness? by Job Tate

New England beats Washington 52-7 to stay unbeaten yahoo.

Sunday, October 27th, 2007

Vs.
Any other day a Redskins win would bring joy to my heart.

Except for today.

Patriots 38-17

Watching the game in the barracks.....

Saturday mail call........

Wayne's World 1&2

Candy bars

Twizzlers

Cookies

Brownies

Rutland Herald

Mixed nuts

all with love,

from the 802.

5203 creek rd.

I recieved one of the best things today...

A banana box filled to overflowing with my civilian clothes, laptop, shoes, camera and most of all....my mp3 player. My cup is fill.
Except for the fact that I got a horrible haircut today and I'm glad you can't see me.

Every Bill Reminds Congressman Of Ex-Wife

WASHINGTON, DC—Ever since his divorce from his wife of 22 years became final in June, Rep. Chuck Brunet (R-NC) sees "Mary's face in every piece of legislation" that comes across his desk, the Oklahoma lawmaker told reporters Tuesday.
"I couldn't even bring myself to vote on the farm-subsidy bill last week," said Brunet, who has reportedly missed more than half a dozen House votes on similar bills because they "remind [him] of the times we went apple picking." "And every time that net neutrality motion comes up in subcommittee, I think of all those e-mails she used to send me. Oh God, Mary!"
Capitol Hill sources say Brunet led a filibuster against increased funding for the Federal Aviation Administration earlier this month because his ex-wife met her current boyfriend on a flight to Atlanta.
Source. The Onion

I'm back!

Just after graduation
Me and the family on the shores of Lake Michigan

Hello all!

I'm posting from a Quality Inn located in Waukegan IL. just outside Great Lakes where I've spent the last 2 months of my life. They have been some of the most challenging as well as some of the most fun. Since Aug. 2nd until last week, I have been involved in running, pt, studying, tests,folding and stowing (Job knows all about that!), live shooting, gas chambers,and firefighting as well as much, much more. I don't regret my decision yet although in my first week I did.

On Tuesday I will be going to my "A" school which, most likely will be right across the street here in Great Lakes Naval Service Training Center.

Thank you all for your prayers and support, I will try to post as I have the opportunity.

News from Andrew 6

This is the last letter from Andrew at Navy boot camp. The next post will probably be by Andrew himself after he graduates on Friday, September 28th. Here are some portions of his latest letter:



"As for liking boot camp, to be totally honest with you, right now it isn't that bad. We have a steady but busy routine and we have managed to pull together as a division. And today we ABSOLUTELY SMOKED our mid assessment test, scoring a 4.92. A new record. So far we have set several test records and we are sure to Hall of Fame if we don't screw up between now and graduation." "We had our final practice this morning for our 1st graduation performance on Friday. It can't wait. I should be fun. Think about it, how many other people can say that they were a side boy at the Navy graduation ceremonies? I do have my moments of "fun", we get our laughs in and RDC's have let up immensely as we get more experienced and deeper into training." "Last night (Sept. 14) we had our final run, a 20 minute sustained. At the PT hall someone lift on a tv over a treadmill and the Red Sox were playing at Fenway. Every time I went around that part of the track my head was turned trying to catch and take in all that familiar and loved stuff. Fenway Park was a sight for sore eyes. However, I couldn't get close enough to see the score and if I stopped I failed." "I am going to try to go to church at the 8:05 service.....It has been a good service, the preaching isn't always as deep as I like it or the doctrine might be a little soft, but the singing has been good. I , of course, miss our church very much. Tell everyone there I said hi."

Letter from Andrew 5

We received Andrew's 5th letter this week. He sounds great and is looking forward to his graduation. So are we! Here are a few excerpts from his latest letter:

"It has been another long day at RTC. We woke up a 0600. After breakfast we had a PT session that was a compilation of ab workouts and running, with a final sprint in the end that I totally owned. We had live fire this afternoon, it was not as bad as I thought. It was 40 rounds with a Beretta M9 service pistol. After that it was five shots with a 12 gauge shotgun, 3 from the shoulder, 2 from the hip. We also had a chance to shoot for ribbons.......I ended up shooting 221 which garnered me a sharpshooter ribbon." It was amazing to see how far we have come. We are 2nd from being senior division and with every week passing brings us closer to #1. Our hair is all grown out and the new divisions look so laughable with their shaved heads and clumsy marching. The thing of it is, that was us just a couple weeks ago." "Fire-fighting and gas chamber are next week 5-week. Battle stations starts on 6-week. 2 weeks off! Only 20 days left until graduation!" " Tomorrow is Sunday and I intend to go to church. This evening we had a visit from our chaplain who is one of the nicest guys one could ever meet. He likes to come up to our compartment a couple times a week and tell stories and give insight. He also plays the violin on Sunday mornings at the worship time. Imagine that, a 6 ft. 2 in.Nave lieutenant commander playing the violin"

Andrew was able to call us on Tuesday. He is doing very well, but looking forward to graduation. Keep praying and writing! Thanks, Andrew's mom

News from Andrew 4

We received Andrew's fourth letter on Friday and here are some excerpts:

"Well, the mail has been parceled out and taps sounded. I lay in my bed and read my mail. Welcome news from home. I am doing well. We did very little of importance the last couple days: folding shirts over and over again and getting ready for inspection. Today we went to Classifications. Basically it's where they fill you in on the details after boot camp. The sad news is: I will most likely NOT be going to "A" school in Pensacola but staying right here in Great Lakes. I am a little bummed about that." " Today we went to the USS Marlinespike. A small-scale replica built inside a building. There we worked on our Basic Seamanship, casting, mooring, etc. I was a line captain whose job it is to give out instructions and watch for every ones well being." "I can't believe it's September already. The last couple days
have been very crisp, breezy days with clear skies and a warm sun. A very welcome treat compared to being indoors in a cement block room with 86 other guys. We had practice inspections this morning (the only thing worse than a real inspection) and then had PT (B.A.S.E.S.) this afternoon. Then we went to drill practice for graduation. We are improving. Our first show will be in two weeks." " It was funny. Tonight, while we were studying, I all of a sudden had a hankering for berry pies and Chex mix. I'm drooling just thinking of it. I told you in the previous section that I will most likely be staying here in Great Lakes for school. I hope there are some kind of cooking and baking utilities so that I can turn some goodies out come the frigid Great Lakes winter." "Say hi to all at North Chittenden."

Thanks to all for sending letters and praying. Andrew's mom

News from Andrew 3

We have received a third letter from Andrew. Letters arrive on Thursdays because he can only mail out on Sundays. Thanks to all who have sent mail and kept him in prayer. It is a great encouragement to him. Also, Andrew will not be returning in October as first thought. He will be leaving for Pensacola, Florida after graduation weekend which will be September 28 - 30.

Here are a few excerpts from Andrew's letter:

"Today we had our first inspection... After much prayer and hard work (I'm in charge of 14 guys) I was one of five (out of 86) that scored perfect on the inspection. It included questions, posture, rack making, military bearing and dress. On Saturday, we were all marched down to that very same drill hall that you see on YouTube and were given our specific tasks. We are a staff division which means we officiate ceremonies, including color guard, band, etc. I am a side boy. I come out of one of two doors with some other recruits and stand at attention for about 15 minutes while the National Anthem is played. We will be doing about three ceremonies including our own." "You inquired about food. We had roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy for supper. There is a large cereal, salad, and juice/soda bar, so there is always different things to eat. My division has taken an affinity to eating PB&J sandwiches. I like to eat them because they remind me of home. I eat a lot of p-nut butter." "Ah, evening time. The most wonderful time of the day, where one can lay back, read his mail, write a little, and have some quiet time. I was able to call you guys today, making today the best day at boot camp to date. Your voices were the most wonderful sounds in the world....Lately, we have been preparing for inspections: folding, pressing, stacking, studying, Very boring."

Thanks, Carla (Andrew's mom)

News from Andrew 2

We received a second letter from Andrew this week, followed by a phone call on Friday eve. He is doing well and wanted everyone to know how much he appreciates the letters and prayers. He will not be returning home at all after graduation from basic training, but will go directly to Florida. Here are a few excerpts from his recent letter:

" Mom, I am eating like a horse. Three full, bountiful buffet meals a day and I don't even have to do the dishes! (smile) I passed my 1st physical test today with 60+ sit ups, 50+ push ups, and a mile and 1/2 in 10:36, one of the top. I need to get better in everything though. I have settled into somewhat of a routine here. On Sunday night I was appointed to one of six section leaders. BOOYAH! Actually, I was dragged in. I am responsible for 14 young, sometimes rebellious recruits. Please pray for me as I get a beating if these guys screw up." "The prayers are much felt and appreciated. I can't think on one day since I've been here that the Lord hasn't done something for me or spared me in some way. As unique an experience like this is, it comes at a dreadful cost.....boredom, constantly and repeatedly carrying out orders that sometimes contradict each other. I mustn't complain, I only have about 7-6.5 weeks lift and there is a faint glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel. This is soundly pounded into my head everytime I look at the mirror and see my short hair. They shaved it right down but now it's up to about 1/4 to 3/8, so I'm pumped. The Navy has some very lenient regulations on hair length so I'm going to be able to go back to my old style. (smile)"

Other points of interest: Andrew passed his swim test, the water for drinking is terrible, and his first church service was "very refreshing and needed"

I will continue to post as news comes in. Andrew's mom

News from Andrew 1

We received our first letter from Andrew on Thurs. Aug. 16th. He wants all to know: "I AM DOING FINE." He also wanted a few excerpts from his letter shared.

" The time has finally come and I've been allowed to write one letter. It is Sunday August 12 and we've been given our first hour of liberty since we got here. However, we also need to iron." " My daily routine here is very predictable and sometimes quite boring. Rev. is at 6:00 A.M. and we make racks and clean the floor by hand. We march down to breakfast around 7:00 and then go about our day: march, PT, class, etc. I was placed into a "handpicked" division. When we got here we were all broken down into divisions and I was placed in a 900 division, 944 to be exact. They are specialty divisions with the highest ASVAB scores and best physical condition. We have "Hall of Fame" instructors that don't let us forget it. It is almost a miracle that I got to write this letter. There is my spiritual life which, I am thankful and glad to report has never been stronger. The Lord has been my Guide, closest Friend, Helper, Sustainer, and Deliverer since the day I walked through these doors. I have grown much not only be necessity but by the desire to grow closer to Him."

I will post any updates as they come. Continue to write to him. Andrew's mom

Andrew's new address

SR Peck, Andrew
Ship 06 Division 944
Recruit Training Command
3301 Indiana Street
Great Lakes, IL
60088-3127

All my bags are packed

Well, it's come to that time. Write to me when you get the chance and please keep me in your prayers. I am going out on this venture with every intention of returning not only as a U.S. sailor but a better man. This is to date the most monumental time in my short existence here on earth and I hope it won't be my last.

I have thought many times about why I am doing this and there are many reasons. First of all, there are tremendous opportunities to be able to further my education, there is the hope that I will be able to see some different parts of the world and there are great benefits. But most important to me is the fact that I will be able to serve my country and be able to carry that distinction with me throughout my life however long (or short) it may be. I love my country to death and despite of all her shortcomings, she is still a great nation.

So, with that being said, send mail, pray, and I'll hope to see you all very soon.

Andrew D. Peck

Just to let you all know...

My mother will be posting in my absence so keep checking the site out. I'm not sure when I'll be able to start writing but I intend on keeping you all in the know as best I can.

*sigh*

All to soon

Some of the vistas that I've been able to see within the last week

This is the view of Rutland from White Rocks in Wallingford
A view of Rutland from Bald Mnt.
A view of the airport from an airport vista on the Long Trail

To some girl out there

Well, we went to Maine for the weekend to watch a game and enjoy the beach...

The game was postponed

I remembered when I got home that I didn't take any pictures while at the beach.

But we had a very good time anyway.

Sometimes you can't make it on your own- U2

Congratulations to Springfield, Vermont for winning the "Simpsons" premiere contest!

On this, the 144th anniversary of the last day of battle at Gettysburg

Pickett's charge

The Civil war was very different in the sense that technology was taking a massive turn.This enabled people to see in black and white just really how horrible war could be. This sniper was photographed by Alexander Gardner after the battle was over.

Union forces engaged: 82,289

Confederate Forces engaged:75,000

Casualties: 51,112 (23,049 Union and 28,063 Confederate)

All in three bloody days.

Four square unlimited

Last week, a couple of us guys decided to make a movie on the playground game,Four square.
At times it got pretty intense but for the most part it remained vague and lifeless, void of any real storyline. Ethan might be putting the edited version onto YouTube, where I will post a link.

By the way, that is fake blood.

And yes, we are still friends.

Marc has left for what will hopefully be a long and illustrious military career,I'm sure he would appreciate mail. His address is:

New Cadet Marc Triller

P.O. Box 4345

United States Military Academy

West Point, NY 10997-4345

To read his latest post, click here

On this day..

1871 - The yen became the new form of currency in Japan.

The wind blows where it will......

It's now down to 5 weeks and counting before I ship out for boot camp. I had another urinalysis today and it came back clean ( I was not at all surprised). My physical assessment test will be next Thursday at 7:00 a.m. The only area in which I am concerned about is the swimming and my Dad is going to help me with that.

In other news, a couple of friends and myself made a YouTube movie last night, I'll get the link as soon as it comes out.

Marc is heading off to West Point in a couple of days, Ethan will be going to Russia. Jed will be in Clarkson and others will be doing other things. The relationships that we have created here will, I trust, continue to be strong even in our absence from each other. The memories will remain.

And as Job inserts into each of his letters:

“The end of a matter is more important than its beginning,and patience is better than pride.”Ecclesiastes 7:8

In memory of Jacob W. Billings, February 25th, 1991- June 13th, 2007.

Remember this?

Change your Mind

King of "Hot Fuss"