He's baaa-aaack!

Adam flew into Portland on Monday night after two days of nonstop travel. He left Iraq for Kuwait on Saturday, then flew to Germany on Sunday and finally got stateside, in Dallas, on Monday. He arrived in Dallas early Monday but wasn't supposed to leave until 12 hours later, so he tried to get on two earlier flights before finding luck with the third one. He arrived in Portland at 8:30 p.m.

His parents and I went to the airport to greet him and obtained gate passes so we could go past security. Getting the passes was a total ordeal. We went to the American Airlines counter, and it was closed. A lady at the Southwest Airlines counter said Alaska Airlines takes care of American's after-hours matters. We went to Alaska, and the lady couldn't do anything but suggested that we check American's baggage claim for a representative. No one was there, obviously, and we couldn't find American's baggage office. I used one of those white information phones, and someone paged for an American representative. Finally someone showed up, and then we had to go upstairs again to the counter. I think Patricia was going to rip her head off.

Patricia's thing lately is people who aren't patriotic. Adam told us how tons of people clapped or shook hands whenever he or other soldiers walked by when he was at the Dallas airport. I said, "I think it's illegal to be unpatriotic in Texas." But really, I think that is absolutely wonderful. Hate the wars all you want -- honestly, I still don't know how I feel about them -- but don't blame the troops. They are doing their job, serving their country and ensuring your safety. I thought this even before meeting Adam. So I am glad his first greeting back in the states was from people who appreciate what he is doing.

Leave is really, really soon!

Barring complications, Puffin could be home early next week. Yes, as in a week from now.

Oh. Em. Gee!