West Point Track Visit Day Two

After Thursday's arrival weather of 70 and clear Friday came in cooler with some clouds. I awoke at nearly 10 a.m. to find the house to myself. Kim and Ryan were at work, Nina and Kayley were at school. I took off around noon. I stopped at the Cadet Chapel and just soaked it in. I hadn't been in it yet and it was quiet and beautiful. Reminded me of the churches in Germany. I photographed and left for Highland Falls. Nicole called to tell me that she wouldn't be able to throw at the meet Saturday. She was beside herself crying. I told her not to worry about it, there were more important things to worry about - that she needed to get her head better. Concussions are important to take care of and this day and age they watch them very carefully. I went on to Mcd's for a burger and a frappe and then to Vasily's. I enjoy going in there as the people who run the place are very friendly. I purchased a shirt for Brandon Schwiesow to replace the Air Force shirt that I found him wearing on Wednesday last week. Hopefully, he will put that shirt at the bottom of his dresser drawer. I went over to the Museum Store and looked hard but couldn't talk myself into buying anything as I am scared of their prices a bit. Then went across to the little museum and talked to some dudes from Norwich, Vermont Military Academy. They were in town for the Sandhurst Competition. Across the Bear Mt. Bridge - $1 toll - and then to Garrison - took photos at the point there. Made one into a black and white and then posted it on Facebook and got rave reviews and actually sold 2. Stopped in and talked with my favorite book/print/map seller. He still had the 3 prints from West Point that I absolutely love. He offered them to me for $300 and take them home and pay for them on time. I just couldn't make myself do it. (later I talked to Dorothy and she told me she would kill me if I brought them home). Went to Cold Spring where I walked around thru the antique stores. Actually found 2 things I wanted to buy pretty badly. An old West Point wall banner and then at another store a West Point letterman's jacket - 90 bucks for the banner and 95 for the jacket. A bit much to do this trip. Maybe next time. Went up to Beacon and hung out with Jay Palesky for a bit. Then went back to the Point. Nicole called and we went out to dinner. This time we ate at "Andy's" because she wanted breakfast food. Worked for me. Andy's is in Highland Falls and is Okay. 3 out of 5 on the kevin food rating scale.

So the plane ride into Newark was great - hardly any bumps. Sat next to the parents of Kevin Boss, tight end for New York Giants. We traded stories about our kids and I showed them just about every photograph I have on my notebook. It was probably pretty boring for them but it seemed to make the trip go faster. I then went down to National and rented a Jeep - didn't mean to - the lot guy said I could have a "lot" upgrade. I attached my new GPS and away I went, through Newark onto rt. 21, 46, New Jersey Turnpike, to the Palisades Parkway and onto West Point. The GPS paid for itself as I didn't get one bit lost. Excellent. Driving here can be interesting for sure. I had one guy pass me on the left and he was mostly in my lane. I tried to move over onto an exit ramp and some guy went flying by me on my right just as I was about to make the turn. Crazy. I arrived at the Saw's -- Lt. Colonel Ryan and Kimberly Saw. They have a nice place on Continental Drive near the Stony Lonesome Gate, the Commisary, etc. I arrived and they made me BBQ Chicken with salad,etc. I went down and met Nicole and she gave me one of those "I've been at West Point too long and haven't seen any family" hugs. Nice - she wouldn't let go.

Tomorrow Back to West Point Again

I haven't been so good about writing into this blog. Today is April 13, 2011. Tomorrow I am heading back to West Point via Continental at 730 in morning at Portland Intl. I have a car waiting for me at Newark and I am hopeful this time I won't get lost as I bought a GPS which I hope I remember to grab from the truck. Nicole is excited I am coming and I hope she does well at the Track Meet Saturday. She took 2nd place last Friday at Navy. She threw the Javelin 125' or so and the winner was at about 131. She also said that she aced her Military Strategy test yesterday which is pretty cool. I hope the weather holds back there - supposed to be nice tomorrow but by Saturday there is a 50/50 chance of rain. I am staying with Colonel Ryan and his wife Kimberly Saw. They are sponsor parents to 12 cadets including Nicole. It is very nice of them to have me and it saves me about $500. Kind of important. But it makes me think that the savings I made by doing this is available to me as I upgraded my seat to a longer leg length seat next to the emergency exit. I will do the same thing on the way back, I hope.

Home at last and Reflecting

Dorothy and I have made it home at long last. One week ago we flew the red eye express from Portland to JFK. Monday was R day and Nicole was processed into West Point and took her Army Oath. She has begun the long and rigorous training program established to make her into an officer and a leader of men and women of the US Army.

Dorothy and I left Tuesday from Laguardia and flew the Delta Shuttle to Chicago's Ohare. There we spent the remainder of the week hanging out with Dorothy's brother Chris, his wife Laura and their wonderful Kids - Maddie and Chris.

It was very much a roller coaster of emotions for me this last week. I know that Nicole is in good hands and that she will be something special when this is all over.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES ARMY

So here I am sitting here alone the night before Nicole J.L. Miller reports for her beast week at West Point. Today was the track picnic. Great to finally meet coach Knute Hjeltness - a 4 time olympian from Norway and Nicole's throwing coach. Also met the rest of the staff and got to meet the new Commandant - General ____________ (cannot remember his name). A very nice day. We then went down to Highland Falls and bought a bunch of stuff - shirts, etc.

Anyway, as I sit here alone it isn't hard for me to reflect on everything about my relationship with my daughter. We have become very close over the past few years, ever since her mother moved 350 miles away. Tomorrow will be tougher for me than for her. I am letting go of somebody who is very special to me. But I am not selfish - she needs to go and become what she is meant to become. I know she will continue to excel at whatever she does. I have no doubts of that whatsoever. And I also know she will always be my little girl!

GO ARMY

Vancouver USA now - things are a little better now that we have left the Willapa Valley. Stopped by the Menlo Store and got some snacks to go. Kay was shedding tears as we left. Then up the Valley to say good-bye to good friend Andrew Friese. He is taking a big step as well = going to Gonzaga. Now we are at Dorothy's, finishing up the packing and helping grandaughter Gracie Rose Phelan celebrate her third birthday. She is running - er rolling - around the house on her new skates. She has fallen a dozen times but just gets right back up and keeps rolling on. Nicole is at Wal Mart buying a couple of little things for the trip over. Our ride gets here at 830 for our Jet Blue flight.

And now we are off - Next stop - The United States Military Academy at West Point, New York state. I can't believe it still.