This thread might seem a bit indulgent, but maybe not. In any case, I don't really care. 
Today hubby and I went grocery shopping. Now, this may seem like a mundane, daily thing to you, but it's a small deal for us. You see, the nearest commisary is in Netherlands. Not a long drive, but not something you do just for the hell of it. We were out of milk though. And almost out of Dr. Pepper. That's a major tragedy for me! LOL So we braved the drive over there, not knowing if the base or the commissary would be open. It's been closed since Tuesday. We were in luck, as both were open.
We had to wait in line to get on base. Not a big deal, as the line was short. Cars were let in one at a time to be thoroughly searched, and mirrors were placed under the car. Looking for bombs or other weapons. ID's were carefully scrutinized. The armed guard asked for a second picture ID. We passed, obviously, or I might be in jail right now. It's an eerie sight to see so many guards around fully armed and ready to...what? I don't know. Whatever is required to protect and defend. I wouldn't mess with those dudes.
We don't go out as much as we used to. Mostly because we don't need anything out, but also because it's mildly discouraged. Many events have been cancelled. All movies are cancelled, as is the Air Force Ball. That was supposed to be Saturday. Large gatherings are not deemed safe.
The American flag has been taken down on GK for safety, I guess. You have to sign in to check your mail.
Friday we went to a memorial service for the victims. It was short, as the officials didn't want a large group of people making themselves targets. There were several nationalities there. Mostly Americans and Germans. Some Canadians and Dutch as well. There might have been more, but I couldn't see beyond the group I was in. My vision is not that good anymore.
Friday was the first day I went on base since the terrorist attack. I know for the first couple of days, only NATO personnel were allowed on base. No dependents, or family members if you prefer. Kind of scary to know that you are not allowed to go to the one place in the local area that you deem to be safe.
I woke up today and found that most of our neighbors have red and white flags in their yards. It made me uneasy, as it was something new, and I still don't know what the meaning of it is. Right now, I don't like new things. This evening there was a parade in town, so I guess the flags have something to do with that. A founding day ceremony, maybe?
Things are slowly edging toward normalcy, but they will never be normal again. In the meantime, I'll be watching the stock market open tomorrow. Afternoon for me. And life goes on. The "kids" will want to go out, the laundry needs to be done. Dishes, too. Maybe soon the theaters will open again. Then again, maybe not.
Today hubby and I went grocery shopping. Now, this may seem like a mundane, daily thing to you, but it's a small deal for us. You see, the nearest commisary is in Netherlands. Not a long drive, but not something you do just for the hell of it. We were out of milk though. And almost out of Dr. Pepper. That's a major tragedy for me! LOL So we braved the drive over there, not knowing if the base or the commissary would be open. It's been closed since Tuesday. We were in luck, as both were open.
We had to wait in line to get on base. Not a big deal, as the line was short. Cars were let in one at a time to be thoroughly searched, and mirrors were placed under the car. Looking for bombs or other weapons. ID's were carefully scrutinized. The armed guard asked for a second picture ID. We passed, obviously, or I might be in jail right now.
It's an eerie sight to see so many guards around fully armed and ready to...what? I don't know. Whatever is required to protect and defend. I wouldn't mess with those dudes.We don't go out as much as we used to. Mostly because we don't need anything out, but also because it's mildly discouraged. Many events have been cancelled. All movies are cancelled, as is the Air Force Ball. That was supposed to be Saturday. Large gatherings are not deemed safe.
The American flag has been taken down on GK for safety, I guess. You have to sign in to check your mail.
Friday we went to a memorial service for the victims. It was short, as the officials didn't want a large group of people making themselves targets. There were several nationalities there. Mostly Americans and Germans. Some Canadians and Dutch as well. There might have been more, but I couldn't see beyond the group I was in. My vision is not that good anymore.
Friday was the first day I went on base since the terrorist attack. I know for the first couple of days, only NATO personnel were allowed on base. No dependents, or family members if you prefer. Kind of scary to know that you are not allowed to go to the one place in the local area that you deem to be safe.
I woke up today and found that most of our neighbors have red and white flags in their yards. It made me uneasy, as it was something new, and I still don't know what the meaning of it is. Right now, I don't like new things. This evening there was a parade in town, so I guess the flags have something to do with that. A founding day ceremony, maybe?
Things are slowly edging toward normalcy, but they will never be normal again. In the meantime, I'll be watching the stock market open tomorrow. Afternoon for me. And life goes on. The "kids" will want to go out, the laundry needs to be done. Dishes, too. Maybe soon the theaters will open again. Then again, maybe not.
