I left Midway in late December, but before Christmas. Packed me an imperial gallon of liquor (5-fifths)
boarded the flight to Honolulu, and caught a commercial flight to San Diego. On the flight to DAgo, we were limited to how many drinks we could by, and the fact that I was only 20 didn't help much either. I wanted some more so I asked the stewardess, "If i was to share my bottle with my friends would there be a problem?", she said as long as we kept the bottle out of sight and didn't get too rowdy, she would turn her back and sell us cokes LOL, I broke out a bottle of Bacardi 151, and the party began. there were 4 or 5 of us returning from Midway together , and a few civilians in seats around and between us. and we were happy to share lol. Everyone had a good time and the flight went by quickly. Arriving at San Diego International, I found my Sister Pat, and my Mom waiting to greet me. I had 14 days leave and spent it between Pat's house in San Diego, and Dad's house in Holtville. Dad had moved his girlfriend in after I moved out and she and I did not see eye to eye, so most of it was spent in San Diego. I had went to Dad's, which I might add was a house I had helped pay rent on for over a year, and was shining my shoes in the Kitched when she informed me that we did not put our shoes on the table in this house!!, I not very polietly informed her that although she was my dad's bed partner she was not my Boss. She went to dad and all he said was "Son I know she can be annoying bur for my sake please try to get along with her.." I called my Best Friend Jerry Butler, and he drove me back to San Diego to Pat's the same day. My Sister Phyllis and her family were coming to Dad's for Christmas, so I decided to stay at Pat's and wait until all the Family was going down to Dad's. Phyllis, Chuck, and their three Kids arrived at Pat's first so we could all go down together. I might explain that my sisters were also not fond of Dad's girl friend lol, and the kids would say, "We are going to Grandpa's and Vivian's, and the girls would reply, It Grandpa's house, not Vivian's. well the first afternoon we were there I was left to Babysit the 6 grandkids, while Dad was at work and the adults went out shopping. SSOO that left me, Vivian, and 6 children 5 and under. Well Vivian said something about "Her House", and one of the little one replied "This ain't your house, Its PawPa's house!" I got a really dirty look but she said nothing so I was good with it. LOLI never did tell her I hadn't taught them that, she figured I did and since I was not here favorite, I took the heat for my sisters. lol..Christmas came and went, and I headed back to San diego with Pat & Sam. and finished my leave there. In January 1969, I reported to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, for my pre-Vietnam training. I split my time there between staying at the barracks, and going to PAt & Sams for the weekend.
