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There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home...

The motto all Army spouses live by!

There is no place like home.  We've been so privileged to make Kansas, Fort Riley, and Quarters One our home and be a small part of the history of the First Infantry Division. As we embark on our 17th move in 30 years I can't help but think of how grateful I am for our many, many blessings.

 I chose to add sunflowers to the traditional red rose bouquet given to the outgoing commander's spouse.

Kansas is truly the heart of America. I’ve never met people quite like those in Junction City, Manhattan and the surrounding towns. These are communities that love their military families and Soldiers.  If others in our nation have let their interest in the military and the war in Afghanistan wane, that is definitely NOT  the case in the Flint Hills. Pride and patriotism are alive and very well in the Sunflower state.

Sweet farewell notes saved in a hat box, thank you! 

My tenure at Fort Riley was made all the more wonderful because of the senior spouses known as the Victory Group.  Beth, Polly, Sherri, Frances, Sandy, Andrea, Sue, and Donna. Your capacity for giving to the community, and to each other, is boundless.  Together you have over 230 years of Army experience and I have been the grateful recipient of your wisdom and knowledge…thank you for being my friends!

One of our many adventures!

Frances, my battle buddy, we’ve literally traversed the country together. We have cursed, cried, and laughed a lot. And then laughed a whole lot more. You are always up for an adventure and I’m glad to have tagged along.

You are true and loyal and there are no words to tell you what you mean to me, my friend. 

Division Change of Command May 22, 2013

 The grand old house known affectionately as Quarters One is empty, the keys no longer in our possession. The farewells have been said and the flags have been passed. We are already on our way to a new adventure in this Army life. I am definitely going to miss Kansas and all of the dear friends I've made.  
But the sun rose over Fort Riley this morning, business as usual.  Life went on without missing a beat despite our absence...
just the way it is supposed to.
When I think of our time at Fort Riley and Quarters One, I am reminded of Charles Dickens who wrote "It was the best of times, it was the...."  oh wait, who am I kidding?
It was just the best of times.
Thanks for sharing this adventure with me, 'Til we meet again...
Duty First!

1 Barry Avenue

Danger 6 (Whiskey)
Out

  

Welcome to Quarters One!

Built in 1888 at the cost of $9,474, and some change, these quarters have been the home of Fort Riley's senior commanding officer for 123 years. Built from limestone quarried here at Fort Riley, the impressive home sits at the end of Forsyth Ave. looking directly at the Cavalry parade field, fitting since the first occupant of the home was COL James Forsyth himself. Then the commander of the 7th Cavalry, he and his family lived here from 1888-1894. This 9,137 square foot home is affectionately known as Quarters One.

Today, my family and I have the honor of being the 71st (possibly 72d, as there is some discrepancy in the early dates) caretakers of this marvelous and some what mysterious place.

I am an Army brat. I have been married to my husband for 27 years, dating him since his senior year at West Point. He is currently the commander of Fort Riley and the 1st INF DIV, the Big Red One, the Fighting First, the oldest division in the United States Army. We are both humbled and honored to be here...and I am being sincere and not cheeky when I say this. 

I have always wondered what went on in the lives of general officers and their families. They seemed to live somewhat mysteriously in a world of their own. Surrounded by a chosen few who, alone, knew their secrets. I always felt like generals' wives knew the right thing to say, all the Army acronyms, the right fork to use, the right hands to shake... Now that I am, amazingly, in that position myself this gives me a great laugh as I still get most of those things, and many others, wrong! We are ordinary people given a chance to live, for the moment, extraordinary lives. Playing a role that will, in a couple of years, be played by someone else.

This blog, however, is not necessarily about being an Army wife or mom, although those are the two things I am most proud of being, but about welcoming you into Quarters One and sharing with you the things we do and how I go about making these quarters our own...for now.

Hopefully, you will pick up a few good decorating tips, recipes, or entertaining ideas. And just maybe you'll be comfortable to give the next general officer's wife you meet a big hug...or a vodka tonic...most likely, she could use both!

If you want to know more about Quarters One you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/QuartersOne)

'Til next time....Duty First!