Finally, I have met my match ...

Greetings from Salem, OR. Currently sitting on the couch doing, well, not doing much. I have been drinking - on this very couch - with my old school mate, G.I. Vic (pictured). He and his wife have been good enough to let me sleep on the couch at their creekside apartment. It's been swell.

We're about to go out for lunch with another former Viking. It's been interesting to hear of the time G.I. Vic spent in Iraq. He's as fit as ever (not in the affectionate English way, as in "geez, that girl is fit") and he has even been giving me some helpful tips in the gym. Surprisingly, I have only put on a couple of kegs since I left Australia more than six weeks ago. Hard to believe it's been that long.

What's more surprising is that the credit card is paid off and there's still money to spare. It could be the result of not blowing the budget on clothes. G.I. Vic likes hitting up the sports stores more than me! And he hates sports. Go figure. But he says that fighting in a war is the ultimate contest and it's impossible to disagree with that. We're both pictured at the Portland City Grill last Saturday night with G.I. Ryan and our mutual friend, Mr Jäger Meister.