There's No Crying In the Navy!

At least that's what CDR Bullard said when he scolded me. And he was backed up by his partner in crime, that troublemaker, CDR O'Malley.

Ok, so up to the reception we all go. All million of us....ok, I'm exaggerating but there was a real crush of humanity up there. I grabbed a soda and talked to everyone I knew and lots of people I didn't. Eleanor Samuels of the Navy League. Dr. Momentum, CDR Bullard's cousin - one of my favorite libs. CDR Gillen, USN (ret), 59th in command of USS Constitution - a fellow Townie. Major General Carter fo the MA National Guard who I did know because of a friend of his. there was also a young officer who was there because CDR had been his first XO. We discussed social media briefly. I also got a few minutes to talk to Mrs. Bullard.

I was introduced to CDR Cooper and his wife. I told them that it was nice to be introduced this way. After all, it's soooooo much easier than what I had to do to meet CDR Bullard. LOL I said "That part in his remarks where he said he was glad he didn't run away....that option was actually on the table." I was going to explain who I was when CDR Cooper said he has read this blog. I NEVER know what to say when people tell me that. I know what I want to say is "This is complete nonsense! What are you doing here!"

I said to CDR O'Malley "Can you introduce me to VADM Locklear?" He laughed and said "Maggie, I can't introduce you to people I don't know." I told him "That's fine, follow me over and I'll introduce you. It's what I do." Just then CDR Bullard came up and took me over to meet the Admiral. I shook his hand "Hi, I'm Maggie, do you know my friend ADM Harvey." I didn't catch the response because people started laughing. Anyway, we had a pleasant exchange and the Admiral showed off the one or two words he can say like a Bostonian thanks to his wife's careful tutelage.

So, now, the part where I was scolded.......

Go read this really quick.

Back? Ok, well I was standing next to CDR O'Malley when CDR Bullard came up to him with a shell like CDR Junge's.

Then he turned and handed one to me. With a certificate.

I looked at him. I looked at the shell. I looked at him.

That's when he scolded me. "There's no crying in the Navy!"