I was talking with a friend the other day and told them I was going to put together a USNA-themed Christmas list for my blog. "Seriously?" They said. "Don't you have enough Naval Academy stuff already?" Me: "I can't believe you said 'enough' and 'Naval Academy' in the same sentence." So here it is, a … Continue reading A USNA-themed Christmas list

I instinctively hit the snooze button when the alarm went off and by the time it signaled my “bonus” sleep was complete, he was already half-dressed, placing shoulder boards on his SDBs. In just a few moments, we ambled to the car and rolled up to Gate 1 where the guard took a quick look … Continue reading Officially putting Annapolis in the rearview mirror

Just about everyone has lost something due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For too many, it's been a loved one. For many, it's been all the little things that make life interesting. Among the latter's long list have been a torrent of traditions. For the Naval Academy alone it includes Plebe Parents Weekend (and, many would … Continue reading What traditions will survive 2020 or rise from its ashes?

We are inching further away from the day-to-day life on The Yard, but we haven't exactly broken away. It was such a joy to watch the most recent round of 2-for-7 signings. Although it's really something of a formality, it's such a beautiful declaration of intention. It's importance was driven home when I recently received … Continue reading 2-for-7s, ROM, COVID, TAD, TIA(s), and prayers for Mid Gram

Not the "normal" Commissioning Week celebration, but we'll take it. Since we left Annapolis after our faux Commissioning Week, there seems to have been a return to normalcy. The Mids are back on The Yard, Navy is playing football, new USNA parents are asking a lot of the same questions us older parents asked a … Continue reading The normal abnormalcy of September 2020