Last night we had a farewell party for the Marines in the shop that were attached to us from the parent commands of the different type aircraft. That is, I belong in a CH-46 squadron, but we've got AH-1, UH-1, and CH-53 aircraft reinforcing us. When we got those aircraft, some maintainers came along. Those maintainers are about to switch off with another group.

So as I was saying, the shop went to Jon-Jon's, an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink restraunt in the American Village. For under thirty bucks, as much food, beer, and booze as you can handle. It's popular for parties, both with Americans and with Japanese. We had a good time, laughing and telling stories. I left at 2300 to take the new LCpl back to the barracks, as he's not yet allowed liberty past midnight.

Apparently Gunny and the OIC kept drinking though, until the place closed down at 0500. Which is all well and good, as today the only thing happening was the squadron holiday party. I was the photographer for all the kids sitting on Santa's lap. And Santa? Hmmm, did I ever mention that my OIC is the biggest guy in the squadron? So the poor hung-over guy flew in and had to sit as Santa for the first hour of the party. We didn't SPIE rig in, as they couldn't get the airfield to clear us for a 50 foot hover for the couple of minutes it would require. Not everyone was having their party today.

The photography was easy- I set up my tripod and snapped each kid in turn. I had some trouble with the white balance (what temperature are sodium vapor lights?), but it was also kind of dark, so I used the flash. Thus the background has a color cast, but the kids look allright. I was a bit worried about power, as I don't have any spare batteries, and I was flashing away. My camera has a defect, it's battery sensor doesn't work. That is, it indicates full power up until it pops a "Out of power! Shutting down!" message. Servicing under warrenty could fix that issue, but I can't be bothered.

My power held out. The photo session lasted maybe an hour, then Santa and I quit and ate the catered food. Then it was gift time. My name and my OIC's name were picked one after another in the raffle, so we both picked out what were obviously wrapped DVDs, and agreed to trade if we didn't like what we got. He ended up with Ocean's Thirteen, and I got the original Terminator. We decided we were happy with those winnings.

Tomorrow, I have to move barracks rooms. That won't be nearly as much fun.

Posted by: Boviate at 05:57 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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