Last Saturday we had another one of our WingFest.  We sent out about 70 invitations, knowing maybe half will accept.  With that number expected, about 35, we ordered 18 kilograms of chicken wings, which is about 40 pounds.  The cafeteria at the Embassy precooks them for us and then Terese finishes them with her sauce and a quick crisping in a hot oven.  We actually had about 40 adults and a few kids show up.  As they entered, I told them my mother is 900 years old and wants pictures, so “Is it okay if I get you in a picture?”  No one objected.

We especially wanted to invite some of the new people in the neighborhood, along with some Turkish friends of ours.  We also invited the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission who is second only to the Ambassador.  He and his wife graciously accepted.  I was sure to be downstairs to greet them when his motorcade arrived.  Later that evening, when they left, I took a small tray of wings and gave them to his body guards.  They were most appreciative.   Additionally, at the end of the evening, when everyone had their fill, I took a tray of wings and a carton of orange juice down to the guard house of our apartment compound.  Then, what was left, the Marines took back to the other Marines who were not able to come.

So, I took a butt-load of pictures, picked the best and posted them with a few comments below.

Terese and I with the Deputy Chief of Mission and his wife.

Below is our resident Seabee and above is his wife and two quiet kids.  They are expecting a third little one within the month. Then three of the Marines showed up.  Above is when they first arrived and below after they ate and was relaxed.  Now, don’t get them mixed up with Serkan, the crazy Turk in the colorful shirt.These two beautiful ladies come to our WingFest every time, and I if don’t watch them, they will start cleaning the kitchen.  Left is Zeynep and right is Sezin.  Sezin can’t keep her eyes open for flashes.  Never did get one of her with her eyes open. Above is my boss and his pretty wife.  When the kids are at home, the stress on their faces go away.

In the following pictures you will see Serkan.  If you remember last year, we attended the wedding between him and our friend Allison.  She is from the Texas Panhandle and he is a Turkish Guard at the Embassy.  He is a vibrant individual who has more energy than anyone I know.  I am convinced I lose weight just being around him, but I also age faster.  So you will notice I look much older when I am with him.                      His Texas wife is the pretty lady on the right, below. Allison is currently working in Iraq and will complete her mission in June.  Afterwards, she and Serkan will move to Virginia.  They will take a vacation down to Texas to see her parents and friends in the Panhandle and are planning to make a trip to Lubbock to see what a 900 year old woman looks like.  I have a feeling she will actually become a few years younger around him, unlike me who aged.  It will also be good for Serkan who considers himself to be a Texan.  Rightfully so, as Texas has many characters like him and he will fit right in.