Party Time Coastie Style

Alright, I apologize for the title. You are probably expecting a titillating tale of drunkenness with photos, but this is merely a sappy wife blog post of reflections.

This weekend, we hosted an informal gathering at our home with some Coast Guard friends. As in the past, and in various backyards and dinner tables, nationwide, they come together in friendship and fun. In the civilian world, many of these guys and gals would not likely be in the same place at the same time. They hail from different parts of the country, even the world. They have varying interests and are all different ages. Still, the Coast Guard is one common bond that brings this group together. In the spirit of camaraderie (and food and beer) they flock to the party of the moment.

We live pretty far from the nearest Coast Guard base, so it was an honor (to me) that many of them even traveled to our home. I know how easy it can be to say "Nah, I've got other plans" or even "Gas is too expensive right now", but no, they came and they partied and they made our house warm with their presence. It's simple get togethers like this that remind me how special our extended family is. We have civilian friends who live nearby who never even bothered showing up or calling, but my husband's shipmates were there in droves. No, no, it wasn't free beer that attracted them (BYOB is the only way to go). I believe it was that even though the majority of these guys spend day in and day out working together and getting on each others nerves that they still like to see each other--you know that whole brotherhood thing. Just like any other family, they may drive each other crazy, but they are usually there for a good time and more importantly when you need them during the bad times.

At any rate, we had a blast. Took lots of pictures, heard a lot of sea stories, picked on a guest or two, and still managed to get up this morning without a pounding headache. ;)