Hi Family,

You probably have all seen the news in the past two days about the car bombing over here. 
Well there were three bombs that went off in downtown Balad.  Not on base, where I am.  
There were approximately 70 deaths and 50-60 injured Iraqis and 5 Marines that died.  Our 
Air Force Theatre Hospital (AFTH) felt a significant impact.  We took in and cared for 
several Iraqis.  It was quite an eye opener.  I saw things I hadn’t ever seen before.  
Anyways, we are all safe and doing well.  They have heightened our security do to the 
beginning of Ramadan starting 3 Oct.  They expect that October will be a tense month 
for us.  We continue to keep our heads low and keep busy with reading and watching the 
Gilmore Girls.  Morale is descent here.  
 

Reminder:  Today is 1 Oct 05 and now you can officially decorate your houses for Halloween.
Make yourself some delicious cider with a special touch by adding a cinnamon stick to it.  
Bake some pumpkin shaped sugar cookies, dim the lights, stay in your PJs all day, light 
the candles, start a fire, and watch the greatest movies of all time.  Sound of Music, My 
Fair Lady, etc.  Then when you are tired of lounging your lazy bones on the couch go out 
and rake the leaves in your back yard.  Make a big mound of vibrant colored leaves and 
take a running start.  Run as fast as you can and plop your belly right into the pile.  
After you injure your back from the foolish leap, take yourself back to the couch and 
watch your favorite Sunday night television.  

Food for thought, I things I can’t do, but that things you can and tell me all about them.

Love Always,

Dandy J