Attention!

Sergeant Stoker here, reporting on the completion of an important mission carried out Sunday here at Fort Stoker: Operation Celebration of Henry and Charlie's Birthdays--6 and 4, respectively. Once again, I got a little carried away with a theme and believe I had more fun planning this shin-dig than the kiddies actually had at the party itself. In my planning phase, I paid several visits to my local surplus store, collecting odds and ends that worked into my theme. The men who work there believe we'll be invaded tomrrow and scoff at utilizing their gear for a kiddy party. I thought they'd hit the roof when I asked if they might donate a stack of their nifty camouflage plastic bags to use as "goodie bags." And their faces were incredulous when I inquired about borrowing a life-sized G.I. display for a "pin the tail on the donkey" type game. Lighten up, people!

In other news, I was paid a surprise visit by Suburban Warrior and her two darling daughters yesterday. That baby is just too much. It is clear to me that whoever's in charge of guiding her spiritually is doing a FANTASTIC job. You have never seen a more peaceful, reverent, God-fearing newborn.

On the nightstand: I have just completed "Never Eat Your Heart Out" by Judith Moore and will be beginning "The Time Traveler's Wife" next. Have you read it? Did you enjoy it? I hear it's a real page-turner once you get past the relatively slow beginning.

Beauty talk: Can anyone give a good testimony regarding teeth whitening systems. I'd like to hear from those of you with experience in this area. Anyone out there go the Britesmile route? I believe I'm too lazy for the trays and/or nightly strip applications. If it can be done once and forgotten about, sign me up. (high school reunion approacheth!) However, before I tackle the teeth, perhaps I should do something about this nasty rash I've developed after swimming laps in our community pool last night. (Yes, folks, training for my annual triathlon is well underway.)