F-4E Phantom IIs

These Air Force fighters flew thousands of sorties out of Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.  The workhorse of the Vietnam war, American pilots shot down 233 MIG’s with these jets.  The fighter was retired in 1991 after 25 years of service.  Today, while we played golf at Andersen, about 10 of the newest fighters took off and flew around the base.

Yokoi’s Cave

One of the more compelling stories of the Japanese occupation during WWII is the survival of Yokio, a Japanese Sergeant.  In 1944, the U.S. recaptured Guam from the Japanese.  The Japanese soldiers retreated into the jungle, or boonies.  Some never were found.  Three soldiers lived in hiding vowing not to surrender.  Two died after 13 years.  One, Yokoi survived a total of 28 years until he was found by local hunters.  My dad especially wanted to see where all this happened.  It is now a tourist spot down in the south.  Here are a couple pics.  There is a cable car ride down to the river where Yokoi spent most of his time living in an underground dugout.  The even have a haunted house like the ones at those traveling carnivals in the states.

Here’s Davis contemplating dinner.

The haunted house.  The kids almost tore my shirt they hung on to me so tight.

The falls where Yokoi lived.

Why Men are Happy People.

What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your

last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding

plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just

another snack. You can be President. You can never be

pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water

park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car

mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your

urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station

restroom because this one is just too icky. You don’t

have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a

bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character.

Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never

stare at your chest when you’re talking to them. The

occasional well-rendered belch is practically

expected. New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your

feet. One mood all the time.

Phone conversations are over in 30 second’s flat. You

know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires

only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You

get extra credit for the slightest act of

thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he

or she can still be your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a six-pack. Three pairs of

shoes are more than enough. You almost never have

strap problems in public. You are unable to see

wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face

stays its original color.

The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You

only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life. Your belly

usually hides your big hips.

One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all

seasons.

You can wear short s no matter how your legs look. You

can “do” your nails with a pocket knife. You have

freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache. You

can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December

24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

Sent to me by Gail!  It’s too good not to post.

Happy Valentine’s Day and Congrats to Bonnie and Adrian!

Hope you are having a chocolate filled day.  We’re up to our eye balls in paper hearts and chocolate goodies.  A special Valentine’s to my other wives…you know who you are!

Also, a big congratulations to the Graves family for their first grandchild Sophie.  Martha’s husband James’ sister Bonnie had a little girl a few days ago.  I think that makes me an uncle again somehow.  We’re incredibly happy that the new one is here to delight the grandparents.  Can’t wait to meet her.

We’re practicing poker with Halamoni for the next holiday gathering.

Moon kids have a big week

Pardon me while I brag a bit.  This week both Alex and Elli were honored at school for their efforts.  Alex was awarded 1st place in the 5th/6th grade class for his Science Fair Project:  What water temperature makes plant grow best?  Elli was awarded student athlete of the month and got 3rd place in her class for her Science Fair Project: Which water boils faster: salt or plain?

Unlike Seattle, in Guam you’ll…

…see many people riding in the back of little pickups leaning against the tailgate, aka the Palauan Minivan.

…notice the large number of dogs unleashed and lying dead on the road.

…practically never have to pay for a parking spot.

…pay only 50 cents for admission to the swimming pool.

…be addressed in Japanese because they think you are a tourist.

…be able to leave your car parked unattended in front of the baggage claim terminal.

…pay $1 to fill your 5 gallon jug of drinking water.

…grab a lime off the tree in your yard for a gin and tonic.

…grab a banana off the tree for your morning cereal.

…buy the freshest tuna out of a trailer next to the large grocery store.

…finally cave in and drink a bud light, and start liking it.

…have trouble finding a coffee shop and a good latte (sorry Elise).

…find little geckos on your living room wall and wish that he is finding enough to eat inside your home.

…stop feeling sorry for the slow toads in the road that keep getting run over.

…see a picture on the front page of the paper of the latest guy arrested and handcuffed BEFORE he receives a trial.

…be unable to see through the tinted car windows at night.

…tell people you work for Guam EPA and they will invariably reply “Boy, do they need the help!”

…need to carry a towel in your car to wipe off your sweaty self until the AC kicks in.

…have no problem getting a massage 24 hours a day from places called “Hong Kong Massage”.

…not stop when making a right turn at a red light.

…start ordering the fried rice and spam for breakfast.

and last, but not least…

…need sunscreen applied EVERY freaking day!

Sunglasses are important on a tropical island

Boogie boarding in the wave pool.

Here’s a real short video of Elli enjoying the Onward Beach Resort waterpark.

Halmoni and Halaboji are here!

My mom and dad arrived a couple days ago. Aside from some gorging on good ole home Korean cooking, we watched the sunset at Two Lover’s Point, and caught the Guam National Team get whooped by Incheon United, a Korean pro soccer team playing some exhibition games here.

The story behind Two Lover’s Point is similar to Romeo and Juliet.  A Chamorro Chief wanted his daughter to wed a Spanish soldier. She was in love with a Chamorro warrior and refused to obey her father. They were chased to a cliff and fell to their death together.

Birthdays in Guam

We’ve celebrated birthdays with some new friends here on Guam.  First, there’s little Paige turning 2.  Next, Alex’s teacher Jordan Lindsey who hails from Seattle.  For Paige, we had whipped cream finger painting on the back patio.  For Jordan, the class went to Onward Water Park for a day of sliding and sun.  Enough said, here are some pics.