Pictures 3

Alex is "pinned" by Christine and I. Now he's official.

Katie Otano - Texas- Class of 2013 and the one chosen by Alex to receive his first salute.

Wes, Christine, Alex and I

The ladies with the Officer of the Day. Beth, Christine, Alex, Kathy and Louise.

Back at the house and one of the hundreds of pictures take that day.

Alex Receives His Diploma

Although a shaky video at the beginning, I find the focus and Alex's name is called and goes forward to shake hands with Vice President Joe Biden, then Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, and then Admiral Jeffery Fowler, "The Supe" of the Naval Academy.

Also noticeable is the HUGE grin on Alex's face.

WOW

Blue Angels Fly Over

Pictures 2

How cool is this!
From the left: Beth, Joe, Louise, Kenny, Anne, Manny, Chistine, Kathy, John, Jack, Wes, Alex, Samantha, Todd, Uncle Art ( USNA '46), Jack, Ann and Scott

Yippee ! Brandon at bottom of ramp receiving his Ensign Bars from Class of 1960 representative. You can see Alex has his in his hand with diploma.

Me ! Mine !

Hi Joe ! Sup?

The comissioning of the Marine Corps Officers. Alex is at 8 o'clock from the center.

Pictures 1

Color Parade

Color Parade

Christine and Alex at the Graduation Ball

Blue Angels

Eighth and I

Fine Trip - Part 4

Hi All
24 May 2010

I've loaded some pictures from my camera into the home PC and will be posting those over the weekend. Stay tuned.
Last night I watched with approx 1000 other fans the USA v Algeria and the England v Slovenia football games at a local hotel bar. The bar was PACKED and I stood the whole 4 hours I was there. Met several other Americans. Was just like being back home. USA and England both won and went through to the next round . WOO HOO !

29 May
The Day After
Oh what a wonderful time we are having. Such memories (and in fact as I was unpacking my suitcase this morning I came across the graduation program which is here on my desk to show my staff)
The day after had the remaining visitors up and over to the Yard about 10a where Alex gave a "brief" tour of the campus including John Paul Jones crypt, The Navy Chapel, Bancroft Hall, the Mid Store and then over to the USNA Museum. It was determined that since we all drove separately to the Yard, those who wanted could peel off and go their separate ways. So as we all said our good byes on the steps of the museum, Christine, Wes and I returned to the house and began to organize /clean up/ get ready for the gathering planned for that afternoon with Michael and his family. There was PLENTY of food and drink remaining so that wasn't an issue. We just had to clean up ( oh by the way, Christine, her Dad and my brother Todd did a wonderful job cleaning up from the party the night before - I'm sure I missed someone but those are the ones that come to mind now) So as we organized and de-festooned the house moving items towards their boxes for packing into the car for the next day's trip to Pittsburgh.
The museum goers returned, food was put out and the Browns arrived . We all enjoyed the less stressful setting and were able to all sit around the deck and just plain relax ! Believe me it was a welcome respite after the activity and stress filled week leading up to the graduation. The Browns said their goodbyes - we'd see them the following week- Wes was taken to the airport and the survivors relaxed for the remainder of the day.

30 May Sunday
Clean up and get out of town day.
The house was given the final clean, all cars packed and everyone was ready to go by 10:30. We all headed off to the Baltimore airport where Todd and Samantha were dropped for their flights. Three cars, the two Dads, Alex and Christine in Alex's car and me in our car drove back to Pittsburgh. Christine, Alex and I proceeded to Christine's sister's house (who had just gotten home from Annapolis a few hours ahead of us) where we dined on - yes you guessed it - more leftovers from the party. We sat and talked but it wasn't long before my eyes were rolling in the back of my head so I slipped off to bed.

31 May, Monday - 2 June, Wednesday
Memorial Day
My plans were for me to travel to Bradford PA ( our former home) to visit with one of my best friends, Jerry Clark. Jerry had also joined us at the Graduation and was, as always, a center of attraction with his quick wit and joke telling capability. At the graduation, Alex had mentioned to him that he'd also like to come up and Jerry graciously invited him as well. So Alex and I arrived in the Village of Westline (20 mi south of Bradford, population approx. 120 people - population never changes - a girl gets pregnant, a guy leaves town) early afternoon - well the skies opened up just as we pulled into the driveway - so we sat in the car for 15 - 20 minutes until the rain abated. Alex and I ended up dodging rain the 2 days we were there. Jerry and I caught up with each other and Alex went into Bradford to look around the old neighborhood - he hadn't been there for 11 years, visit his old school and teachers and friends. We had planned on eating at the Westline Inn- my favorite watering hole - but just never got around to it and departed for PA on Wednesday morning. Jerry was a wonderful host and had made Shrimp LeJon (bacon wrapped shrimp with horseradish) for us upon our arrival then steaks on the grill. His signature breakfast of buttermilk muffins , eggs, korv (Swedish sausage) and coffee the next morning and then for Tuesday evening marinated chicken slow roasted on the grill. Wednesday morning was pancakes w/ blueberry sausage and coffee as well. I was also able to connect with good friends Mark and Pam who also live in Westline. - I never made it to Bradford.
Alex and I returned to Pittsburgh and he and his Uncle Jeff went out and Alex bought a laptop with some of his graduation money. I took a nap and then later on that day, we yes you guessed it - finished up the leftovers from the graduation party (well the majority of the leftovers). Both mornings that I was there, Jeff went out and bought fresh bagels (are there any other kind?) which we enjoyed with cream cheese and lox and capers. Mmmmm - can't get bagels like that here in the UAE in fact you'd be hard pressed to find a bagel - they are just not done here.

3 June 2010,Thursday
Alex departed for Quantico as he had some business to attend to and Christine and I departed for Annapolis as we had been invited to attend Brandon ( Alex's room mate for all 4 years) & Geselle's wedding. Alex was the best man and it was held in the Chapel. We were invited to stay with Herb and Barbara where we also enjoyed their hospitality. We arrived in Annapolis, had lunch at the Ram's Head Bar and then proceeded over to Herb and Barbara's. They had gone out for the evening and we let ourselves in. Alex soon arrived and we went out to eat at a local crab house. We wisely got there before the rush and a torrential downpour. Alex and I picked a dozen crabs while Christine enjoyed her soft shell crabs.

4 June, Friday
Wedding Rehearsal and Bar Hopping
Alex was up and gone for chores he needed to do and Christine and I lazed around then went over to the Yard to tour the museum ourselves. - if you recall - we took Wes back to the house so he could sleep prior to returning to Indiana and the night shift job he had (he now has a new job on days working for a company that supports the Ford Truck assembly plant - his company supplies the dashboards and steering wheel assemblies.)
We had also planned to meet Alex at McGarvey's for lunch where he and I had our traditional oysters on the half shell. For all you oyster lovers out there , this is rated as the best place to get them in Annapolis. They were big and delicious. Following that, Alex had the rehearsal and Christine and I returned to the house and changed for the rehearsal party being held at the Officer's Club.
This started at 4p and they had a full sit down meal for 80 people. It was awfully nice of Brandon and Geselle to include us as we certainly weren't expecting it. Dinner ended and we had heard that the "kids" were going to meet later at an Mexican restaurant for margaritas. However I was hot and tired and really didn't feel like it. Christine looked at me and said - "If you think that we're going to go back and sit around the house on a Friday night in Annapolis - one of the best towns to stroll and bar hop when you and I are all dressed up - your out of your mind! (or something to that effect)
Needless to say I mustered my inner fortitude and we began what turned out to be a truely marvelous evening. ( Thanks Christine) We first went to Rams Head and had a beer. We then drove downtown ( should have walked) and proceeded to hit a bar in the harbor and strolled around the harbor looking at the yachts. (playtoys) From there is it was over to another bar where Christine spied a Mid she knew. Well she played "Mommy Morrow" to the hilt and ended up buying the Mid his dinner - much to the envy of the other Mids with him. I in the meantime was chatting up a fellow at the bar stool next to me who when he got up told the bartender he was leaving for Louisville. We had a nice long chat as he wanted to know all about where to go and what to see while in Louisville. ( Churchill Downs and Louisville Slugger being the two must see's for any out of towner).
After this we walked back up town to the Mexican restaurant to meet up with the kids and buy a round for them . Well they weren't there. Bummer. Now what? I know - back across the street to the Rams Head - and lo and behold who did we find - - Yes, the groom and groomsmen - So we got seats at the bar, watched the Blackhawks lose to the Fliers and just kept opening my wallet for bar munchies and beers. About an hour later Geselle showed up with her brides maids. We had a marvelous time and my wallet cried. BUT I need to stop whining about the money situation. I took in a renter, Max, in Abu Dhabi and his rent money paid for my vacation - So every time a bill came I picked it up and Christine and I would both say "It's on Max" Thanks Max !
Well it was getting late so we left, walked back downtown, retrieved the car and returned to Herb and Barbara's. Alex came in around 1a. Good Night

That's all for this blog entry.
Love to all,
Scott

Fine Trip - Part 3 - Graduation Day

Hi All
23 June 2010

Graduation Day
28 May 2010

Alex could have told you how many days until graduation 4 years ago (one of the rites of passage to being a Plebe)
It's here! today is the day! and the weather has cooperated by actually becoming cooler, is overcast and less humid. We are thrilled as are the soon to be 2nd Lt.s and Ensign's. However , Alex is wound tighter than a drum and anxious to get to there ON TIME. So much so that he couldn't even wait until we got into the parking lot, he jumped out and walked the rest of the way to his muster location as we waited in traffic entering the stadium parking.
Back to yesterday and the color parade - funny thing happened - Alex is getting ready and had his uniform on before he left. Dark pants, dark top. He drives over to the yard and turns the corner and realizes he's not dressed properly - he's to have on white pants. - he whips his car around and makes a bee line for the house calling us on the way on how to get into the house - we have all left by then and it was locked up. We call the owner and she gives us the garage numeric code, he undresses in the car - runs in, grabs white pants and races back to the Yard with only 10 minutes to spare. Luckily he wasn't stopped by the police as he admits he stretched several traffic laws getting to and from. Needless to say there were a few choice word emitting from Alex's mouth when he discovered he was not in the right uniform.
We arrive in the parking lot only to be directed to park in the grass - well remember the rain from just hours ago - well it's making it a muddy mess. We had planned to drink coffee and have pastries in the lot before going in - well no one ( me) felt comfortable trying to stay clean and do this whole routine so I indicated that we might as well go in - get good seats and eat at the concessions - which is what we did. One word of advice - don't get the breakfast egg/sausage muffin - it was horrible.
Well we sat there for 1:45 hrs until finally at 8:45, the band started to play Pomp and Circumstance - and here from the far end zone begins the entry 2 by 2 of the 1028 graduating class of 2010. They entered, top 100 honors graduates first then by company and alphabetically. Alex in 7th Company sat directly in front of us. Christine couldn't have picked better seats. Then all the underclassmen filed in and took their place in the stands. Following this were all the professors and military instructors. Next came the invited dignitaries. At about this time the Vice President's helicopter flew over , circled the stadium and went off to land. Joe Biden and Admiral Gary Roughead - Chief of Naval Operations then arrive in Joe's limo and they take the podium to ruffles and flourishes.
At exactly 10:04, the Blue Angels do their fly over to the cheers of the assembled 25,000 spectators. Speeches commence with Joe Biden going last. He spoke as politicians do - with friendly banter and glad handing for 15 minutes then for the remaining 15 minutes he spoke of Obama's 4 pillars of the economic recovery. An audible groan was heard from the collective audience when he introduced that subject. The one high lite of his speech was when he mentioned John McCain's name. The partisan Naval Academy crowd cheered this and Joe joined in the celebration of acknowledging a true American Hero.
Next came the commissioning of the Marines and the Ensigns. Following this the top 100 honor students were awarded their diplomas and then began the long line of the remaining 928 graduates. As the excitement built and Alex's row stood to get in line, the grins were ear to ear. Finally his name is called and Alex strode up the ramp, shook Joe Biden's hand, then Admiral Roughead's who presented him with his diploma, shook Admiral Fowler's ( The Supe) hand and strode down the adjoin ramp holding his diploma and commissioning letter high over his head. At the bottom of the ramp, a member of the class of 1960 - another link in the chain - 50 years ago and a tradition at the Academy presented Alex with his 2nd Lt. bars. As Alex strode back to his seat, his grin was like the Cheshire Cat - Huge , Wide and Un-eraseable! We of course were hooting and hollering our support 30 strong in the stands! What a moment. I have a video of it and will post pictures as well. (as I will of this whole vacation)

After the last Midshipman received his diploma a huge roar came from the masses as we knew what was coming. The president of the class of 2011 stood and led 3 cheers by the underclassman to "those who were about to leave us". The Class of 2010 then stood and were cheering wildly in anticipation of the final event of their Naval Academy journey. The 3 cheers to "those we are about to leave behind" - Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray and with that 1028 Naval Academy caps flew into the air making the photo op it always is. Cheers, Hugs, Laughing and I'm sure a few tears of joy were in display -and that was only me ! As the kids ran to retrieve the now unowned caps, the masses started to either file down to the field or out of the stadium to where they were to meet their now newly commissioned officer. Alex had chosen the Blue Angel F-18 on display outside the stadiums entrance. We along with what seemed like hundreds of other parents and families used it as a back drop to where Christine first presented Alex with his Marine Corps Officers cap and we "Pinned" Alex's 2nd Lt. bars to his shoulder. What a proud moment.

As the numerous photos were being taken, I noticed a Plebe standing there with Alex attending to her. I suddenly realized that Alex had chosen her to give him his first Salute. The tradition is that you pay for your first salute with a genuine SILVER dollar. (Alex took several hours with Samantha to locate a real silver dollar the day before finding one at a jewelry store where he paid too much for it) With the salute accomplished, Alex then told us why he had chosen her - it was because her grit and determination though out the year impressed him and he thought she was best rewarded with the silver dollar.
This done and the picture session winding down, I suggested that we retire to the cars where I had bought a cooler full of beer to enjoy while we waited for the traffic to ease out of the parking lot. Well it was then I noticed that the real surge had not yet begun so I further suggested that we just get while the getting was good and leave. We did and returned to the house where the real party started. Michael's family and the Morrow family joined forces in planning the party with Brandon - Alex's roommate and family also joining in the fun. In all we had about 60 - 70 people through the house that day.
Christine and Theresa had planned a wonderful menu which came together perfectly. If you left the house that day not completely satisfied in food in drink- then you'd never be a happy person. Music, laughter ensued and then towards evening cigars came out to toast the new officers. I even smoked one to honor Alex and Michael , getting about 1/2 way through before turning green. Over the edge of the deck it went - yuck!
Michael is a Ensign and will be stationed in Norfolk aboard a destroyer. Brandon will be stationed in San Diego aboard a cruiser. Alex is headed to Quantico for 6 months of "The Basic School" where all Marines learn how to lead men the Marine way. He reports July 5.

Well the party started to break up as people who would be leaving early in the morning began to say their goodbyes bidding fare well and good luck to Alex, Michael and Brandon. I went to the bedroom at around 11p to use the restroom and was found sleeping on top of the bed by Christine well after midnight. She, like me, was exhausted from the week's activities and responsibilities of being the host. She got me into bed and followed shortly after.
What a marvelous, wonderful, exciting and proud day made all the better by being surrounded by all we love. I'm honored to have friends and family that are such good people.
Love to All
Scott