Offshore Texas

From 1981-1984 I worked offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Not on an oil rig or platform, but on a seismic boat. The front end, or beginning of the oil exploration experience. The data we collected gave the geophysicists an idea of where to actually drill. The picture on the right is a shot of the boat I worked on as our helicopter approached for a crew change. Typically, these boats had a total crew of 35-40 men.

Very interesting work. I loved it.

I worked a 4-week on, 2-week off schedule. We didn't drink offshore, but rarely was there a shortage of things to smoke. Of course, many of us smoked cigarettes too. Look at those eyes.

The boat I worked on usually made 2 or 3 port calls during the 4-week period. There was always supplies and equipment to load and offload, but it was understood by "the bosses" that we also needed some drinkin' time while ashore. We would find a nearby bar and consume all we could in as short a time as possible. Often we had only a couple of hours before we had to return to the boat. Needless to say (but I will anyway) most of us got blitzed.

(left) daily work on the back deck

This type of drinking became a way of life for me. When I wasn't offshore, I was drunk or at least waiting to get drunk. Those were fun days, I must admit. But I don't miss them at all.
I'm just glad I lived through it.

todAAy i AAm grAAteful & thAAnkful

that I am alive and sober today

that when they told me I didn't have to feel this way any more, they were right

that I am able to handle my Mom's daily affairs as well as my own - it makes for a full-time job (in my head LOL)

for a long conversation with my sister about lots of stuff

for some lovely, much needed rain overnight

Ladies & Gentlemen, I am proud to introduce to you ...
Matt V 2.0 from Lambda ------- drop by and say hello

We have a choice: to plow new ground or let the weeds grow.
-Jonathan Westover