Generally the moment Alan steps foot out the door on business or reserve duty a kid projectile vomits somewhere in a carpeted area. Seriously, I have just come to expect some sort of chaos as soon as he hits the road. Jack has had a trip to the ER and we have had more bouts of vomiting than I care to discuss, but only when Dad is out of town. I’m sure some day we will get to enjoy even more exciting emergencies in his absence. I mean, come on... I have two boys. There must be stitches and broken bones lurking in the distance. Rian has had both and she’s my GIRL!

While this trip we were expecting more of a long haul, the government can’t always be guaranteed to keep their shit together so he came home early. That doesn’t mean we didn’t experience our fair share of excitement though during his short absence.:) Oh no. And while there was no vomiting this particular trip, there was some drama.

Yes folks, Goldie aka Kinky passed on through the swirling vortex to the other side. It was not easy folks. She seemed to have some troubles, but we were fairly confident the tough ol’ broad would pull through. However, there must have been some sort of degenerative process related to THE INCIDENT. Rian kept vigil for several hours, but after numerous ethical consultations with Alan it was deemed time to pull the plug flush.

She was a good fish, a kind fish. She brought joy and shitty fish water to our household for 5 and a half years. There were good times and murky times, but Goldie was there for the kids whenever they needed her. Rock on Goldie. May you be frolicking and swimming up a storm on the other side.