Pipes Chief back aboard the continent. Salutes.
Welcome back aboard the North America, sir! Enjoy your stay!
~~Baloo
[sup]See? I actually disabled smileys in your honor![/sup]
uh, Baloo, you do not want to call a chief “sir”… trust me on this one.
Let me give you an official Straight Dope welcome back! My father was in the Navy as well, so I know what a stress it can be both on you and your family. Good to have you back!
Welcome back home, Chief. Here’s to having a wonderful time with your son!
I was in the USAF for 20 years. Consider that “sir” an interservice elbow in the Chief’s ribs.
Welcome back anyway, Chief! [Hands Chief a beer.]
~~Baloo
I had a great weekend with my son – translation: exhausting, expensive weekend with my son! We did everything, packing six months quality time into 48 hours.
Putt-putt, Va. Science Museum, the beach, frisbee in the park, the Mall, the Jewish Mother, the boardwalk and good meals galore! I even got him to try and then eat willingly an entire bowl of potato soup. This from the only kid in the U.S. who despises potato chips and french fries!
All in all a weekend I won’t soon forget. Even the 14 ounces of chocolate milk accidently dumped down my pant leg at lunch Sunday!
Gosh, Chief,
It’s too bad that Falcon wasn’t there to clean up the mess.
Do you think that she’s good enough to accomplish this feat without using her hands? (I didn’t think so, either…)
Southern -
Gee, wouldn’t it be nice to find out if I was that good? Too bad both you and Chiefy will never find out…
(smiles sweetly - nope, still not tamed.)
Well Falcon,
I’ve known several women that were that good, and in every case but one, I’m sure that they still are.
I was just wondering if you were in their league. Now, because of your ‘still not tamed’ comment, you’ll have to EARN your way in.
(I’ll call your smile and raise you a shit-eatin’ grin!)
I’m so glad you had a good time with your son, Chiefy. And, I’ll be nice and not comment on Southern’s comment. 
Much.
You go, girl! Let them know who’s really in charge, Falcon!
Oh, hey Purp,
Falcon’s being her usual “tell them one thing and act another way” self. But I wasn’t falling for it. Much.
Falcon’s alright, but she’s no Purplebear!
Well Southern, if you’ll come over here, I have a nice glass of chocolate milk for you.
(I’ll see your shit eating grin and raise you a smile and a raised eyebrow.)
Not falling for it, eh? Hmmmm. I reserve judgement on that for the moment. I think you may be in for a surprise with that proud bird! Better watch out for that raised eyebrow.
Blush Thank you for that compliment, m’dear. Flattery will get you far with me. Do tell me more…
<sitting back and waiting for the fireworks to start> :eek:
Let me join the crowd and say that I’m happy you’re home, although I’ll miss reading your logs. And thanks for being out there and getting the job done.
I’d also like to point out that I’m quite happy that there’s an ocean between you and my girlfriend, my sisters etc. right now.
Keep posting!
S. Norman
Chief,
Please note that the gratuitous smilies that appear in this thread are NOT the direct result of my handywork.
And Purp, I don’t think that there will be much fireworks from Falcon. She shouldn’t be too concerned that I’ve sent a compliment your way. I’ll compliment her again sometime when she’s earned it – like right after she gets me my next beer.
smacks Southern upside the head
Get yer own damn beer. 
Oh, Hi Falcon,
Were you listening in on my conversation with Purplebear? Shame on you.
:: scolds Falc for eavesdropping ::
I thought that maybe this once, just this once, I’d try to do things your way. I checked the refrigerator and there is no “Damn beer”. There is plenty of Michelob, Bud light, Honey Brown, four Foster’s and a couple of Guiness.
:: realizes Falc would have no idea what’s in my refrigerator ::
I guess I’ll have to get my own beer this time – I’m in the mood for a Honey Brown – but you will have to bring me a “Damn Beer”.
Afterwards I’ll pass out the kudos and adulations.
Oh, I was thinking about asking Turpentine to visit, and ChiefScott may drop in. Could you bring us all a “Damn Beer”?
Thanks. I knew you could.
:: heading for the exit ::
looks at SouthernStyle
You did NOT just say that.
takes Honey Brown from his hand, dumps it all over him
There. There’s your “Damn Beer.”
sweet innocent smile - as has been said before…I’m a sassy bird, and no WAY am I tame.
Oh, thanks. 
I’m wearing light colored khakis. With just a little imagination it looks just like chocolate has been spilled all over my lap.
Which also brings us full circle – it really does need cleaning up. No hands, now.
grabs a washcloth
cleans off Southern’s pants nice and slow…
Better?