Home again, home again, jiggidy jig.

Home again, home again, jiggidy jig.

Great to be home. Thanks for the encouragements to get back to the blogosphere.I was only gone for 6 days, yet had not seen my wife in three weeks. She was gone for two week prior to my trip and then we literally passed in the air as I left. This was, as I have already stated a non-photographic trip. In fact I did not even take my kit with me. I took the Think Tank Shapeshifter bag stuffed with non-photographic stuff. I might add here it works really well as a backpack and computer bag. The neoprene pockets are outstanding dividers. But I was reminded how old I am getting or how weak my back is. I spent the week sleeping on a cot in a friends conservatory (for you Amercians, that is a glassed in back porch, those Brits have so much more class than us Yanks!) and did not feel the worse for it…or at least I thought. On the way back home from England to Bangkok I started smelling like I had been on a road and decided to take a shower at the Star Alliance lounge. When I bent down to put on  my socks my back went out on me. In the past I have been told I have three slip disks and this is why I go to the gym often (almost everyday while I am home) but apparently the cot naps did more damage than I thought, and the endless hours trying to get comfortable in coach didn’t help. I miss those 100K upgrades.

Today is a very special person’s birthday, my wife. She is a wonderful lady that I can’t say enough about. Amazingly, somehow she puts up with, not one, but two ADD people in her house. That fact alone should win her some sort of honor or award. If you have ever had the chance to meet her you know she is caring and kind. These words fall so empty on this page as I write them. I wish I was a eloquent with words and could describe her adventurous spirit. We have climbed mountains together, we have even huddled behind walls as billets flew past us in Kashmir. We have experienced life together in ways that most people would only dream. There is no other person I would want to share crazy life with. She is an amazing mother, caring for Jessie and making sure Jess has her hugs and kisses. She is also an amazing cook! Which explains the battle of the bulge I am currently fighting. I can go on but, she would only kill me for embarrassing her. So happy birthday Alou. I love you.

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16 Comments

  1. Jeff Lynch

    Matt,

    Ouch! I’m very sorry about your back and I understand the pain you feel only too well. Happy birthday to your wife and best wishes for a rapid recovery. That shot by David speaks volumes!

    Jeff

    Reply
  2. Jeff Lynch

    Matt,

    Ouch! I’m very sorry about your back and I understand the pain you feel only too well. Happy birthday to your wife and best wishes for a rapid recovery. That shot by David speaks volumes!

    Jeff

    Reply
  3. David duChemin

    Happy Birthday Alou!! Matt’s blessed to have such a great woman to share his life with!

    Reply
  4. Gavin

    What a touching tribute. You’re a lucky man Mr. Brandon. Happy Birthday Alou.

    Reply
  5. Matt Brandon

    Thanks guys. Yes I am truely a blessed man. Moving slow these days but still blessed 😉

    Reply
  6. grungemann

    Happy Birthday Alou,

    I wont show up at your door if I’m sick again.. ever. The vitamin and the lemonade you gave me on that day was magic .. cure me of my sickness in just a day.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  7. grungemann

    Happy Birthday Alou,

    I wont show up at your door if I’m sick again.. ever. The vitamin and the lemonade you gave me on that day was magic .. cure me of my sickness in just a day.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  8. Vanessa Jackman

    Sounds like you have a very special relationship, Matt. Happy Birthday to Mrs Brandon! Crikey, your back sounds incredibly painful…no doubt being scrinched up in the cramped conditions of economy for, oh, 13 or so hours really helped to cement things. I dread the Australia/London flight…

    Reply
  9. Jeffrey Chapman

    Happy Birthday Alou!

    Reply
  10. mag

    Beautiful photos & and a very happy birthday to your wife

    Reply
  11. Luciano

    Matt, I hope you’ll get better soon and a very happy birthday to your wife.

    Reply
  12. gary S. Chapman

    Your words about your wife echo loud and clear. I totally understand your feelings even without more words. I understand because I share the same thoughts about my wife. We are blessed men. Happy birthday to your wife!

    Reply
  13. Rosane

    Glad you’re back home safe with your family. I’m sorry to hear about your back pain and I hope it goes away soon!

    Happy birthday to Alou. She sounds like an amazing person. Anybody that has spent at least 5 minutes with you can tell that you’re crazy in love with her! You both inspire me. 🙂

    Reply
  14. David duChemin

    Anyone that’s spent at least 5 minutes with Matt knows how amazing Alou is! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Heimana

    Happy to see you back, Matt, and wish an happy birthday to miss Alou!
    Hope your back is getting better (a good massage CAN help!)
    Cheers!

    Reply
  16. Matt Brandon

    WOW, what a warm out poring of well wishes. Thanks to all of you. You make my back feel so much better. If I could ever get my wife to read my blog ;), she might really appreciate all your wishes as well.

    Reply

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