Knowledge is Power

I spent this morning in briefings welcoming our class to CA. We had briefings from many people including housing, medical, safety, and many others. Some of it was pretty good and I learned some stuff. Overall, it was well done.

I did learn a few things about the our housing and the local area. I was already aware our base house doesn't have central A/C, which should be pretty interesting this summer. We have something called "swamp coolers" instead. I'm not sure how these will work when it's 110+ degrees this summer, but they say they cool the house down to about 20 degrees cooler than what it is outside. So as I'm listening, I did a mental calculation that if it's a 110+ day, that would bring the inside temperature of my house to about 90. Hmmm....I'm pretty sure I'll be purchasing a window unit (or 5) so I can live in my house comfortably this summer.

I also knew that we have a colorful array of wildlife here in the desert. I was aware of the desert tortoise, coyotes, jack rabbits, black widows, rattlesnakes, bobcats, and the highly venomous Mojave Green snake. (Anyone ever watch episodes of Venom ER on TLC???? I wish now, I wouldn't have) But I digress...(sorry) What I didn't know is that unlike most snakes, the Mojave Green is an aggressive snake and will come after you instead of trying to get away from you. Apparently the old "they are more scared of you than you are of them" doesn't apply here.

Have you ever seen the movie, "The Right Stuff?" If you have, you've seen the housing we live in. (Yes, same housing from the 50's) We have been told that there is asbestos in the housing in the walls, under the flooring, and in the paint. The good news is as long as you don't eat paint chips, tear up your floor or walls it shouldn't be a problem.

I learned a lot today.