Trigger gets a Time Out

It's just not fair. Just because Mr. Josh's bike gets all slimey and muddy when he takes it out, doesn't mean I won't be careful. He left me in today because it's a little wet and windy. Doesn't he know I'm in mourning? You see, my bunkmate, poor Mr. Fridge, went to sleep one day and didn't wake up. Oh, we used to pass the hours in the CHU just joking and belching... well, mostly Mr. Fridge belched. Oh he belched a lot! He had some sort of freon buildup or something gastro like that. Pretty bad stuff. Where was I?... But he just shut down one day and couldn't kick his motor into gear, so Mr. Poppy gave him a not-so-decent burial in the big dumpster out back. What a way to go!

Then, he went to the Haji store to buy Mr. Fridge II. I could have told him by the looks of that place, that no one should go in there. But did he listen to his faithful sidekick? Nooooo. Big mistake! The not-so-nice Iraqi salesman, Noar, sold him a NEW refrigerator in a NEW box. But when we got home, Mr. Fridge II turned out to be a USED fridge. Not even cleaned up inside. Oh, well. We gave him a try because Mr. Poppy has a way with mechanical things (hah!). Mr. Fridge II chugged, he churned, he even belched (that's never a good sign you know). He may have been "refurbished," but he was definitely ridden hard and put away wet! After 3 days... nothing. He would have made a better bookcase than a refrigerator. It took Mr. Poppy another 3 days of international diplomacy (and assistance from the Headquarters of FOB Delta) to finally negotiate a refund from Mr. Noar... the swindler. Heh, Mr. Poppy, with all that cash, how about a nice new speedometer? Lighted tail-light? Okay, cheapskate, how about some clothespins and cards for my spokes!

Because Mr. Poppy stayed up late last night (0300 hours) flying around with his Night Vision Goggles, he got today off. And he finally gave in. Yahoo! We went out riding today. Sunny day. Nice temperature. No headwind (I don't do headwinds, remember?). That's what I meant by "Time Out!" Let me show you the nice movie theater we rode by. Classy, eh? Avatar was showing a few nights ago. If not for the bad echo inside, I bet most people would have enjoyed that. Yep, that's me adding some class to the photo and posing next to the "Upcoming Attractions" sign. You know, I am an "Upcoming Attraction!" [Hey, let's play that old game. I spy with my little eye, something... white. Tell me when you've got an answer. I'll get back to you on that.]

Later, we rode to the PX, that's Post Exchange for you civilians out there. Here's what we saw. A Burger King with tent awnings and twinkle lights...

...and a nice Haji store that was actually owned by some Sri Lankans. (And yes, Gunner, all military personnel on FOB Delta are armed. Mr. Poppy says he can read your mind.) The Sri Lankans were very polite people who Mr. Poppy would be happy to buy things from. As a matter of fact... Linda, Lauren, and Gunner, watch your mailbox! Speaking of mailboxes...

...Look at who impounded me for parking too close to a mailbox - two Ugandan contract guards. Pretty tough looking fellows. (Quick, Gunner, what weapons are they carrying?)...

...Hah! Mr. Poppy and I staged that photo. Actually, that's Agaba Sam and Kazora John. We must have our names backwards, don't you think, Poppy Mr.? They speak English very well and are exceptionally polite. John goes back to Uganda in February. Mr. Poppy had to promise to e-mail pictures to agabasam88@yahoo.com and make hardcopies, too. Otherwise, I think they would use those AK-47's to shoot the air out of my tires!

Well, hope you all enjoyed our day off and my time out!!! Mr. Poppy sends his love and can't wait to hear from all of you. (Pictures?)

Happy trails,

Trigger, the Coming Attaction, Super-Stallion