The wind changed and began blowing cool right off the gulf. I closed the door wall. I went to the garage and got some firewood and started a fire in the fireplace. Seemed like a good idea.

Once it was going I closed the mesh spark arrestor. Sitting on the rug in front of the fire place. I thought that chili would taste great on a chilly day like today. So, I made up my famous chili. Letting it simmer on the stove.

I sat in the chair closest to the fireplace. Just enjoying the warmth, listening to the radio. As I thought about my new command, it came to me. I haven't put on a uniform in 3 years. I need to make sure everything is perfect when I see the General Monday morning.

Well I will return to the warmth when I am done. Going to my room, I pulled out my duty uniform which is a flight suit. I stripped down to my bra and panties. I caught a glimpse of me in the mirror. Moving to look at my body. Thinking at 42 I still look good. Maybe on the thin side but all in all. Still looked good. My breasts a mid C cup where still fairly firm. My ass still good. My stomach still flat, maybe a little too flat as my bottom ribs where showing. My body still toned. My hair in its military style as it should be. I had gotten it trimmed to regulation before we took our trip. Absent mindlessly I reached into my panties and ran my finger along my slit. I shuttered a little, yep still have the feelings down there too. Even though I have gotten any in a while. Maybe I should find a boy toy. What the hell am I thinking. I am a mother. Then again I have needs too.

OK, back to the task at hand. I slipped on my flight suit. It fit but was actually a little looser than I remember. Time to adjust tabs on the sides. Pulling them in, there that was better. Now it fit better. My squadron baseball cap was on the shelf above my uniforms. It was authorized head gear. My boots just needed to be dusted off. They still had the high gloss shine.

Everything was perfect for my meeting with the General Monday morning. Stripping back out of my flight suit, I hung it back up.

Slipping back into my jeans and sweatshirt. I checked on the chili, smelling great, taking a little taste. Perfect. Just needs to simmer some more. Returning to the fire place the flames have dwindled. I threw another piece of wood on. About 5 minutes later it was going good again. Snuggling in the chair again. Just relaxing.

Zoey came out to use the bathroom. “Mom, That chili smell so good.”

“Thanks, Sweetie. It seemed like a good day for it.”

“Uh,Huh. It is.”

My phone went off. It was Cassie. “West mortuary, you stab them, we slab them.”

“Wow, a bargain. So what's this I hear through the grapevine. We are going to Gulf shores.”

“Yeah, We are. Not through the grapevine. You heard it from Whitney.”

“Still not from you, though.”

“Sorry, Hey we are celebrating.”

“That is better. So over to Gulf Shore for chowder.”

“Yep, Got to celebrate.”

“OK, We will pick you up at 8. You had better be ready or I will get the ice water out.”

“You wouldn't.”

“And we've know each other for how long. Hee hee hee.”

“OK, I'll be up.”

“OK, Congratulations. See you in the morning.”

“Thanks, Bye.”

Me and Zoey dished out the chili around 6. Sitting in front of the fireplace, we watched a couple movies together.

Cleaning up the dishes, we both headed to bed just after the 10 news. I slept like a rock. My alarm went off at 6am.

Looking out my door wall. It was a great day forming. I hopped in my shower. Cleaning up for the day. Drying off. I first slipped my bikini on then a pair of cut off jean shorts, and an Air Force tank top. Looking in the mirror once again. Yeah, even at 42 I can still rock this outfit. My hair in a short pony tail, shoes and socks. Pulling out my beach bag where I put a pair of panties, sun screen and towel. My purse fit as well.

Grabbing my signature coffee, a toasted bagel with peanut butter , and my beach bag. I waited on the front porch for Cassie and Whitney to show up. I wasn't about to be drenched in ice water again.

Precisely at 8:00 Whitney and Cassie came around the corner. Whitney was driving her Volkswagen cabriolet. Of course with the top down.

“Wooooooo” Cassie screamed with her hands up.

Pulling up in the drive way. “Told you that she would have her coffee with her.” Whitney said.

Walking to the car. “You expected something different, from me?”

“I should have known.” Cassie commented.

I jumped in the back seat. and we took off.

Whitney turned on to Hwy 98. Which pretty much follows the coast until Pensacola. Thanks to her lead foot. We made it to Pensacola in a little over a half hour. Even with it being a Sunday morning there was quite a bit of traffic in the city. Soon enough we were on our way again on 98.

“Hey before we hit the beach, let's run over the Keesler and see the new crop of technicians who are going to be taking care of my planes.” I suggested.

“You just want some eye, candy. All those young airman.” Whitney countered.

It was Cassie who answered. “And why not. I dearly love Steven but hey it can't hurt to see what is on the menu. I just can't order.”

“Yeah, but Brie can order,” Whitney exclaimed.

“OH, Sure. I can see the JAG having a field day. An O-6 going out with a E-2” We all giggled.

“OK, We won't look at the menu. But we can go.” Whitney headed north. All the way there, we did what girls do, talk. Two hours later we pulled off I-10 to Keesler Air Force base.

Pulling up the the gate, the security police asked. “Ids ladies?”

We each pulled out our ID cards. He looked them over. Handing them back. “Thank you, Colonel's.” He saluted, them motioned for us to proceed.

“Nice and proper. Just how mine are.” Cassie observed.

We drove up the main road. There were quite a few people all over. Some in Civies some in uniform. We stopped to let a training flight cross. I could see a few of them trying to get a look at us. It was great.

“Anyone hungry?” Cassie asked.

“Are you thinking what I think you are.” I answered.

She just smiled.

“You are evil you know.” Whitney added.

“Yep, sure am.” Cassie responded.

We followed the sign to the chow hall. Parking, We made sure that we looked perfect. That was the first time I saw what both Cassie and Whitney had worn.

Whitney was in a Peach sundress with a floral print. Cassie wore a tight black mini skirt with a white tank top. Both in high heeled sandals. Both looked great, all three of us didn't look like we were in our 40s maybe mid 30s at best.

While doing this the flight who crossed in front of us. Arrived. The team leader waited for us to go by to release the flight for chow. There was a rush to see who would hold the door open for us.

We each thanked the young airman. Once inside we grabbed trays, Being I didn't want to spoil my clam chowder dinner. I headed for the salad bar. Whitney and Cassie joined me. I loaded my plate. Lettuce, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, bacon bits, croutons, potato salad, topped with ranch. I added a little chocolate pudding for something sweet.

I could feel about 30 pairs of eyes on me. I loved it. We lined up at the cashier. Behind a couple airman. Once it became Whitney's turn.

“ID please.” The cashier asked.

Whitney handed it to her.

Glancing at it. “ Thank you, Colonel.”

We then heard plates rattling the airman that was in front of Whitney almost dropped his tray. Probably that the beautiful woman that was behind him was a full bird Colonel.

We all got looks when we showed our Ids and the girl thanked us. Whitney had waited for me and Cassie to join her.

“Where do you want to sit?” I asked softly.

“That way”, Cassie motioned with her head. It was toward where the flight of Airman where sitting.

Following Whitney, we found an empty table. Just past the guys. We could hear the whispered comments they were making. All three of us knew they were inappropriate and could get them in trouble. However We were having a little fun. So we let it go.

We sat at a round table, the three of us facing the flight. Just kind of watching them. We slowly ate. Like the ladies we are.

About 35 minutes later we finished. We dropped out tray at the dish window. Heading back out to the car. Some Airman were waiting for the rest. We could feel their eyes watch our every step. Like I said we loved it.

We left heading to Gulf Shores, for a swim and some great clam chowder. Exiting I-10 at Loxley we headed south.

Stopping at Foley, Al. We pulled in at a small store picking up some refreshments. 3 Mountain Dews. and gas as Whitney's lead foot has taken a toll on the gas mileage.

We did get some looks when we stopped. We all love it.

Back in the VW. I got shotgun this time. We drove the short distance to Gulf Shores. First stop was the beach. We hit the beach on the west side of town. It wasn't too crowded.

The three of us claimed some sand, and laid out our towels. We striped out of our street cloths. Each of us had worn our bathing suit under our cloths. Whitney was in a cute purple one piece while Cassie wore a bikini like me.

Each of us laid out. We each put on sunscreen. Cassie did my back, I did Whitney's, and Whitney did Cassie's. We could tell that we had some admirers. I was able to watch them with my sun glasses on.

Of course we had to tease Whitney. She doesn't wear bikinis anymore because people may see her stretch marks.

“Whitney, you would be able to get more sun. If you wore a bikini like we do.”Cassie teased.

“You very well know why I don't. Thank you very much.” she scolded.

“Common Whit. Both of us have the same stretch marks. Just about as long as you have.”

“Yeah, it is a sign of motherhood. Like a merit badge, says we've been preggers.” Cassie added.

Lowering my voice, “Also shows we are not virgins either.” I giggled. “We have all gotten the salami.”

“God, Brie.” Whitney scolded again. “Would you say that around Zoey?”

“I might when she is older.”I commented.

“Remind me to make sure that Riley doesn't have any contact with you ever again.” Whitney teased back.

“Well She loves her Aunt Brie. So nah.” I stuck my tongue out at her. As I left running for the water. I ran into the surf about 10 ft then dove under an incoming wave. The water was like a bath tub. It felt so good. The water was fairly shallow just about 6 ft. I floated on my back just enjoying the water.

All of the sudden I felt something go across my back. It scared the crap out of me. Thinking it was a shark. I didn't scream I just began slowly swimming back to shore. Knowing that thrashing around could draw a shark.

Then someone came up from under the water. The person was snorkeling.

“Oh, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I was following some fish and didn't watch were I was going.” This person said, in a soft voice. It seemed like it was a guy. He was wearing a short wet suit.

Smiling, “It is OK.” I answered. Not knowing what else to say. He had the brightest pale green eyes I've ever seen. I was attracted to him.

“I'm Ash.” He said.

“Brie” I answered. My heart all a flutter. I haven't felt this way since I lost Marcus.

“Sorry, Again Brie. Hope to see you around.” He swam off.

“Yeah, I hope so.” I called after him. Thinking yeah, I really hope so.

Turning on to his back, “Me too” He turned and dove back under water.

It was like he read my mind. Me and Marcus were able to read each others mind. I think a lot of married couples can. I swam back to shore. Cassie and Whitney met me about half way.

“What was that about?” Cassie asked.

“He was just apologizing for freaking me out.” I watched in the direction he was going. I saw his snorkel pop out of the water.

I got a face full of water. Whitney splashed me.

Both Cassie and Whitney followed me back to the towels as I was almost in a trance.

I just lay on my stomach, Not really hearing what they were saying. I tuned them out. As they were calling, Brie's got a boyfriend.

After about 2 minutes of it. “would you two, grow up. I'll probably never see him again.”

An hour of baking in the sun then another dip in the gulf. We rinsed the salt water off in a shower. We lay back down to dry off. Whitney didn't want her seats wet. At about 4:30 we headed to get our clam chowder. Shanties was about 5 miles from the beach. But also along the Gulf coast.

Pulling up and parked across the road. “Here we are ladies, Home to the best clam chowder around. Shanties.” Whitney called.

“I can't wait.” I said.