((written pre-outbreak, just prior to)) August 23, 2014

Mexico has been amazing. Taking Emma and Sarah up on a a two week vacation in Cabo was a stroke of genius. I’m just happy we could all get leave at the same time. Even happier we found this little hole in the wall resort that is ‘unplugged’. No tvs for two weeks.

Between beach time, margarita time, and party time.. which incidentally all include mas magaritas.. I am certain we are well on our ways to pickle our livers. The guys are hot, the drinks are great! Viva Mexico! Or in Emma’s case: One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor!

August 24, 2014

Went to the farmer’s market today to buy fresh fruit. The walk was great, but the locals are acting funny. My Spanish is rusty, but they keep whispering about ‘los muertos’. All Soul’s Day isn’t for another two months.

On the way back, I saw something even stranger. The Federales were removing a body from a house. A dead body. But before they loaded it into a body bag, the capitán chambered a round and put it into the forehead of the corpse.

When I got back to the hotel, I mentioned it to the others. They thought I was insane, but I know what I saw.

August 25, 2015

Our cellphones all rang simultaneously this morning. We’re all being recalled to 32nd street. Luckily we drove, but it will still take us hours to get back to San Diego.

Apparently the CDC has issues a nation-wide warning about some super virus. The three of us have discussed as we packed. The flu doesn’t put military bases on lock-down or recall crews to naval vessels. We all suspect biological warfare, but can’t be certain until we’re home. The lines at the border will be a nightmare. We were told to flash our military IDs to get us through faster. I don’t think it’ll work but it’s worth a try. Sarah’s finally ready.. seems a little boy bit her while she was loading things into the car. So weird. Emma’s wrapping and cleaning it now. Guess who’s in for a tetanus shot?