I drove to Memphis tonight so that I can facilitate the Reserve Officer Leadership Continuum this weekend at Naval Reserve Center Memphis. The drive was not unpleasant but hardly a scenic trip. I had to go out of my way a little as I realized on my way that the ink cartridges in my HP Deskjet 340 were dead. I found a Staples, spent a fortune, but got the cartridges to print certificates.
I was somewhat nostalgic on the way. It was not too long ago that I made the trip on a regular basis. Once a week I would drive up for my Naval War College class taught on the base. I did that for three years and had a great time. I did see some changes over the years but none that made the trip much shorter. One road that was under construction most of the time I made the trek was finished this time.
My daughter was headed the other way to meet her boyfriend's parents. She was driving herself and planned to return later that night to go to work the next day. WE finally succeeded in getting her to stay the night and leave early in the morning. I'm worried she is rushing this relationship and would much rather she take it easy for a while.
When I arrived on base, I was sent to the old BOQ for lodging. Now part of the Navy Inns, this building is not used as often as the newer complex but was still a nice facility. When I walked in to check-in I realized where I was. I was standing in the lobby of the building where I was commissioned many years ago. I could still see my daughter, about six years old at the time, running around the lobby.
