I should have typed this as soon as I got back yesterday, but I was absolutely exhausted! We didn't have to meet until noon for lunch and then teach in the afternoon. This is very unusual as we normally teach in the morning; but the cadets had something else going on, so we accommodated them. After this long and arduous two hours, we sat in the office for another hour making sure everyone was caught up on all the information that was going around and that we all knew what we were supposed to be doing later that evening.
Then everyone went home; everyone that is except me and one of my coworkers. We were partners in the tournament that was to happen at 5pm that evening. It was quite obvious that given neither one of us had participated in an event such as this for many years (if ever) we would need to practice just to keep from looking like complete idiots. Unfortunately, the little bit of practice we had, did little to quell this appearance.
We were one of the first teams up. I was pitching first. I could feel the cold weight of the steel in my hand. Would it be good luck for me now as it is said to be if you put it on your wall (ends facing up of course). I aimed toward the metal steak in the ground and threw. The first was a little too far to the left, but still in the sand! I was doing better than I had in practice! The next landed close enough to the steak to give my team a point! This was the only victory I was asking for. The other two seemed to be up on the game and we lost 21-6. At least it was fun... somehow horseshoes is a game that just belongs at a picnic!
While the tournament was going on, we were able to have potato salad, ribs, hamburgers, or hot dogs. There was music playing and eventually a fire to sit by while making smores. Those who weren't playing horseshoes could play foosball, watch the various games, chit-chat, eat (dessert as well: pecan pie or carrot cake), or just relax. In the midst of all this, we said our hellos and goodbyes to those who have come in the past 3 weeks or so and to those who will be leaving us very soon. It was a bitter sweet occasion.
During this one could hear shots from machine guns out in the distance. No one seemed to even take notice. I merely thought of them as fireworks as a freedom celebration three months early. With all the fun that has been happening here, I am almost sorry I didn't join the military when I had the chance; I could be retiring soon had I done that!
Then everyone went home; everyone that is except me and one of my coworkers. We were partners in the tournament that was to happen at 5pm that evening. It was quite obvious that given neither one of us had participated in an event such as this for many years (if ever) we would need to practice just to keep from looking like complete idiots. Unfortunately, the little bit of practice we had, did little to quell this appearance.
We were one of the first teams up. I was pitching first. I could feel the cold weight of the steel in my hand. Would it be good luck for me now as it is said to be if you put it on your wall (ends facing up of course). I aimed toward the metal steak in the ground and threw. The first was a little too far to the left, but still in the sand! I was doing better than I had in practice! The next landed close enough to the steak to give my team a point! This was the only victory I was asking for. The other two seemed to be up on the game and we lost 21-6. At least it was fun... somehow horseshoes is a game that just belongs at a picnic!
While the tournament was going on, we were able to have potato salad, ribs, hamburgers, or hot dogs. There was music playing and eventually a fire to sit by while making smores. Those who weren't playing horseshoes could play foosball, watch the various games, chit-chat, eat (dessert as well: pecan pie or carrot cake), or just relax. In the midst of all this, we said our hellos and goodbyes to those who have come in the past 3 weeks or so and to those who will be leaving us very soon. It was a bitter sweet occasion.
During this one could hear shots from machine guns out in the distance. No one seemed to even take notice. I merely thought of them as fireworks as a freedom celebration three months early. With all the fun that has been happening here, I am almost sorry I didn't join the military when I had the chance; I could be retiring soon had I done that!
