Life is Good

Well,
I'm sitting in a beautiful chateau outside Paris where Rousseau used to wow the ladies and trying to catch up on e-mail and such. The guests on the leadership tour left this morning very early from Charles de Gaulle and I've been trying to get caught up on things and relax a bit.

Normandy was great. The first day we focused on George K. and his memories. We visited the site of divisional HQ where George shared his memories of that spot-including an expirament of jumping without a parachute that failed, the site of the divisional field hospital, Sink's D-Day ride, the battery at Holdy and the church at Aungoville. George was alive with stories and reminiscences that were amazing. The personal thrill for me was standing next to George at the site of his D-Day foxhole for a picture. WHen I was very young I used to see that picture of him in books and to have a chance to "re-enact" it was a real thrill. The group high was most likely the treck up to the church tower at Ste. Marie du Mont. The day was beautiful and from the steeple you could see all of Utah Beach and the airborne landing areas and as far as Point du Hoc.

Yesterday was the third platoon day and we finally sorted out where Paul and Earl went after they landed, which was super. Then we squeezed in stops at the La Barguette locks and Carentan. As always, the guys were full of stories and I was able to put together a few more pieces of the puzzle.

What I will never forget is the party that Paul and the folks at Battlebus Tours and Rima and Francois at the Churchill threw for my birthday. First surprise party I ever had and it was great to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends. The guests, veterans and Normandy friends were all there and I got a bit chocked up by the whole thing. Nor sure if any of you read this blog or not, but if you do, thanks-I'll never forget it. It made being away from home much, much easier to take and reminded me of just how lucky I am to have so many wonderful friends and associates.

The tour of the trenches starts tomorrow and I'll do my best to be better about updates. I have some cool sites selected so lets hope I can squeeze them all in! I'll be back on November 2 and the first priority will be to get the e-mail and address lists out to everyone from the two trips. Until you hear from me again, thanks to all of you for making my life so full.
Chris