Hi All,
Saturday, 10 July 2010
My last blog had the temps at 111F last Thursday that changed to 118F. It's officially HOT.
I had 3 friends over for dinner on Thursday eve. Grilled split chicken halves that were marinated for a day in Mojito marinade - MMmmm good - lime and orange juice, garlic, onion, olive oil, cummin, salt and pepper (it's in the Epicurious.com web site) It's a winner. Cooked them slowly over indirect heat for a few hours and the meat was falling off the bone succulent. That with home made potato salad and green beans. All was well received.
Went to the pool both yesterday and today for a few hour - got a slight burn - nothing really but my face is all red and hot feeling.
The big news this week was the announcement that my boss, the CFO, is quiting and will be gone in 90 days. Guess I'll have to train a new boss soon. Says he's leaving the country - but rumors abound that he will go work for the "parent company" that oversee's the 8 government hospitals here - it remains to be seen.
Alex will be starting his class on Monday - however we have not heard from him since his arrival in Quantico. You know those Marines - they will fill your time. Christine is going to call him today and hopefully get an update.
Other than that, It's back to work tomorrow and keeping cool.
Love to all,
Scott
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Temps are rising
Hi All,
5 July , Monday
This morning at 6a temp 93F at 4p 111.3 F - It's starting to get hot Humidity is in the 70-80% range as well.
Got home went swimming and back home to cool A/C.
Not much to tell except our son Alex reports to Quanitco tomorrow to start 6 months of training at The Basic School.
Wes just turned 26 and is on a 2 week vacation for a plant shutdown and as I've heard it - will be working on the line soon instead of picking pre-assembled parts for the Ford F150. He's excited.
Christine arrives in 77 days
Love to all
Scott
5 July , Monday
This morning at 6a temp 93F at 4p 111.3 F - It's starting to get hot Humidity is in the 70-80% range as well.
Got home went swimming and back home to cool A/C.
Not much to tell except our son Alex reports to Quanitco tomorrow to start 6 months of training at The Basic School.
Wes just turned 26 and is on a 2 week vacation for a plant shutdown and as I've heard it - will be working on the line soon instead of picking pre-assembled parts for the Ford F150. He's excited.
Christine arrives in 77 days
Love to all
Scott
Friday, July 2, 2010
Pictures 5
Uncle Art and Dad in the stands at the Color Parade.
Alex and Brandon at the Wedding Rehearsal dinner.
Christine at Bilger's Gate - This gate is locked and only opened when someone is dismissed from the Academy from which they must exit. In the movie "Patriot Games" Harrison Ford is seen exiting the Yard through this gate just prior to the scene in which he is nearly killed by the IRA gunman. Christine has stood in the location on the street and remarked many times - Jack Ryan was here ! Bilge is the waste water pumped out of a ship where seepage has collected, therefore, exiting thru Bilger's Gate is seen as a mark of shame and dishonor. 
The Marine Corps Museum near Quantico Va.
A realistic display inside the rotunda at the USMC MuseumPictures 4
Lex and Michael showing their class rings.
Christine and Alex at the Graduation Ball
Samantha, Alex, Kelsey, Michael and Meghan
The graduates finally out of uniform w/ friends and family.
Joe and Anne with AlexWednesday, June 30, 2010
Fine Trip - Part 7
Hi All,
1 July 2010
I'm on a roll so I'll keep on blogging.
13 June 2010, Sunday
Plans had been made, hotel rooms booked and directions verified. Ann, Dave, Christine and I are off to Cleveland to visit the Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame. I had been itching to go even before I left for the UAE but just couldn't get schedules coordinated. Now that Ann is on summer vacation from her teacher's assistant job and Dave has retired, there wasn't anything holding us back. This being my third visit, I acted as the tour guide but was still giddy with excitement knowing how much Dave would enjoy it.
We arrived in Cleveland, got to our hotel and into our rooms. We found a place to relax and have a few beers which we did after taking in a park. We returned to our rooms then went out for dinner at Olive Garden. Christine had the waitress taking the display china, used as decorations, off the walls and shelves, which she showed her up close. We told her why we were in town and she told us that Robbie Kreiger and Ray Manzarek of the Door's - her favorite band - had also been in a while back. She first recognized them from Ray's voice. Frankie Avalon has made frequent appearances at that Olive Garden as well. Needless to say, the waitress received a healthy tip for her service and hospitality. It was off to bed as the next day would be a long one.
14 June 2010
Monday
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Following a breakfast at the hotel, we proceeded to downtown Cleveland in a huge rainstorm. Luckily the Garmin knew the way and all I had to do was to keep my eye out for morning traffic. Suddenly the Garmin decided to take me a way which was not what I was accustomed to- right thru downtown Cleveland. - Oh well, we still followed it. The rain stopped and we got to see some goomer wearing a bright red T, with his pants securely fastened at about nipple height, proclaiming his love of the Cleveland Indians. - What a sight. We arrived and found parking and we walked down to the Museum. Not knowing the traffic or the distances, we were a little early but we hung outside and got in line as the 10a opening time approached.
The doors opened and as we queued up to pay our admission, the sense of wow was already in the air. Huge concert stage display pieces hang from the ceiling, and as we take the escalator to the lower level - where you enter - guitars are in display cases and cars/ motorcycles are parked for viewing. If you have been there , you know what I mean, if you haven't, then you are missing out on a truly wonderful experience. Your formative years come rushing back to you with sight and sound reminders of the music we grew up with. Janis Joplin's glasses, Eric Clapton's white suit and Martin guitar - which is the same make/model (except for the tuning head layout) as Dave's guitar- (Dave's is nicer) - Mick Jagger's white jumpsuit with the grommet holes - several of Jimi Hendrix's flamboyant outfits - hand written lyrics by John Lennon. The list goes on. You depart the lower level and take a escalator to the 2nd floor where more memorabilia overwhelms you - several rough draft pages of Hunter S. Thompson's " Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" , The first issue of The Rolling Stone with John Lennon on the cover. From there it's up to the third level - where I finally run into Christine, Ann and Dave having been separated since soon after arrival. We have a bit of lunch at the in house snack area and then queue up for the Hall of Fame section. A video - now 40 minutes long - goes year by year- reviewing the inductees visually while playing the music which got them there. There is no narrator, just the music. You exit on the 4th level after you leave the HoF video where you can listen to all of the HoF members music from several touch screen kiosks.
The 5th and 6th levels are reserved for traveling displays. This time it was Bruce Springsteen.
We tour these two floors and decide to meet in the gift shop on the 1st floor. As we are choosing memento's of our visit, the announcement comes overhead that the museum will be closing in 15 minutes at 5p. - We had been there for 7 hours and left much to be seen. You get overdosed with information and any one trip is not enough.
We make our way back to the car and after clearing some evening rush hour traffic, we are on our way back home. A quick side trip with a right hand turn from the far left hand lane across 5 lanes of traffic at the red light and a vicious stare from one of the occupants got us some Starbucks coffee for the initial portion of the ride. We passed through Columbus and stopped for dinner. The remaining ride home consisted of a murderous thunderstorm with copious amount of lightning as we passed through Cincinnati. We learned the next morning that Big Butter Jesus - a 60 foot tall styrofoam sculpture of Jesus from the chest up was struck by lightening and burned to the ground. I guess Jesus must have made his father mad as he smote him ! Go to Heywood Banks - Big Butter Jesus on YouTube to see this amazing - now destroyed icon. You will laugh yourself silly. It was a wild ride. We arrived around 2a safe and sound.
15 June, 2010
The End is Near
Coffee on the front porch - albeit later in the morning than usual - and the realization that the end of my vacation is drawing to a close. I'm to depart Friday afternoon and now we are thinking what needs to get done before I leave. I'm not sure what else we did that day if anything.
16 and 17 June, Wed and Thursday
Yard work, a ride to Dicks, lunch with Alex, Christine and I at a sushi bar and then to Ann and Dave's for a nightcap.
Thursday evening we had planned on going to Jim Porters - a local honky tonk where many good acts have passed thru in the day - BUT Dave had read the schedule wrong so the band we wanted to see wasn't going to be there . However not to be outdone, we decided on Wednesday evening to go see Gallagher - the comedian who at the end of his show smashes watermelons and other assorted food stuffs with a huge "Sledge-o-matic" which sprays the crowd who wisely show up with enough plastic sheeting to ward off the flying pulverized food stuff. (Just before we went we ate dinner at Ramsi's on the World restaurant across the street from the club. Always one of my favorite places to eat as it's so eclectic and good.) Thanks to Tom who brought the plastic otherwise we would have been covered in food although we were a good 15 - 20 feet from the stage. Following this we went to the Germantown bar, Zeppelin. We had just ordered our drinks when the band started playing upstairs in the "Listening Room" We quickly went up and discovered it was "show up and go up" night with various musicians playing in pick up bands. Harmonica players were featured performers and I enjoyed their talents as I tried to play along in my head. All good things must come to an end and we returned Vickie to her house ending with long hugs and kisses goodbye and we departed for home. Ann and Dave said they'd be up to see me before I left the next day. I went in to see Wes, woke him up to say goodbye to him as he'd be gone by 5a for work.
In bed and not wanting to go but knowing I had to.
18 June 2010
Departure Day
Christine and I had our last coffee on the deck and then began the task of packing. Christine pulled out another suitcase as she was having me return with a load of her stuff as well. Alex woke up and joined us. Dave and Ann arrived and we relaxed until it was time to go. It was hard saying goodbye as these two mean so much to me.
Christine took me to the airport arriving at 1:45 for a 3:09 flight. We said our goodbyes, she watched as I went through security and went on her way as well. I had the usual hour plus wait and thought of getting a beer but I was all beered out. The prior 4 weeks of constant beer had me bloated, put on more weight than I care to admit and just burned out. So I just listened to my iPod and people watched. The flight was a late but that didn't matter to me as I had a 5 hour lay over in Chicago. We arrived just in front of another terrible storm (why was my vacation filled with this unsettled weather? ) As I was walking s-l-o-w-l-y around the terminal, I stopped to watch the approaching storm when suddenly, a bolt of lightening made it's jagged attack on the ground about a mile away. The report was almost instantaneous. I kid you not, everyone in the entire terminal went WHOA at the same time. The lights then dimmed as the terminal switched to emergency power. As the storm hit, the airport closed down with all planes stopped in place. One plane was being pushed out from the jetway and the guy on the push tractor ran for cover. It rained violently but as far as I know, no styrofoam Jesus statues were destroyed. The storm passed and O'Hare returned to normal operations. Being a hot dog lover found a stand where I bought a Chicago style hot dog. Yum I continued on my lazy walk now having killed 1 1/2 hrs so I ended up in a sports bar where I sat and watched the US Open and nursed a rum and coke for all it was worth. ( I'll tell you it's worth $9 - what a rip) Now having killed another hour, I figured it was time to go over to the international terminal and get checked in. I arrive to find a line which seemed to have no end. I finally got to the check in desk - my baggage had already been checked through at Louisville to get my boarding pass 1/2 hour later ( yes I timed it). The clerk told me they were running late and to take my time. I should have listened to him and returned to the domestic terminal - but that would entail going thru security again so I had my last USA meal at - dare I say it - McDonald's - and went thru security to the gate. Well my 8:30 flight is now listed as 10:30. ARGH The waiting area is filled to capacity with sub - continent types- some of who have a hard time distinguishing what deodorant is used for, so I found an empty gate and stayed there and watched CNN for hours on end - which turned out to be a repeating loop of news stories. I was able to lie down on the chairs but couldn't rest in fear of falling asleep and missing my flight. Another wicked storm rolled through the airport and shut it down again during this time reopening some 1/2 hour later. Finally it's nearing 10:30 so I go back to the gate and there is activity happening. Just as they are ready to start boarding, another storm hits and shuts the airport down - yes 3 storms in 7 hours. So we are delayed from boarding. We finally get aboard and settled in and pushed back from the gate at 11:30p. Then we sit and sit some more. Finally at 1:30a, nearly 13 hr's since arriving at Louisville Airport, (remember I gained an hour changing time zones) we depart for Abu Dhabi.
The 14 1/2 flight was uneventful. I slept a little bit, watched movies until I was bleary eyed, stood in the rear for almost 1 hr to get the blood circulating, returning to my seat to watch some more movies. I watch night go to day and then to night again.
19 June, Saturday
We finally landed, got thru immigration and while waiting for the baggage picked up 2 bottles of rum at the duty free shop. Collected my baggage and caught a taxi home arriving at 2a local time. After getting in and settled, I skyped Christine letting her know I was safely here. I got to bed by 3a and was up at 5:20a when the alarm went off for work. I hit the snooze but in my mind I knew I had to get up. I stumbled around, got my act together and came into work arriving only 1/2 hr late at 7a.
The first few days were a daze. My body was wracked with aches and pains from the limited space and torture devices they have you packed into in coach and my mind was on a completely different time zone for about 3 - 4 days. The first weekend home consisted of sleeping, going to the grocery store to restock the larder and sleeping some more. Finally, getting back to normal this week and getting my work a day habits into full swing as I tackle the challenges this job brings.
So thus ends the saga of my vacation. It was a Fine Trip. I hope you all enjoyed reading about it. I will be posting more pictures soon. As of today, July 1, there are 81 days until Christine arrives in Abu Dhabi to join me and as you have already surmised, I'm counting the days.
Thanks again for such a wonderful vacation - Thanks to Max for the extra spending money and most importantly thanks to my wonderful family- Christine, Wes and Alex and friends for all your support that you give me as I continue to work and live here in the United Arab Emirates.
All My Love
Scott
1 July 2010
I'm on a roll so I'll keep on blogging.
13 June 2010, Sunday
Plans had been made, hotel rooms booked and directions verified. Ann, Dave, Christine and I are off to Cleveland to visit the Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame. I had been itching to go even before I left for the UAE but just couldn't get schedules coordinated. Now that Ann is on summer vacation from her teacher's assistant job and Dave has retired, there wasn't anything holding us back. This being my third visit, I acted as the tour guide but was still giddy with excitement knowing how much Dave would enjoy it.
We arrived in Cleveland, got to our hotel and into our rooms. We found a place to relax and have a few beers which we did after taking in a park. We returned to our rooms then went out for dinner at Olive Garden. Christine had the waitress taking the display china, used as decorations, off the walls and shelves, which she showed her up close. We told her why we were in town and she told us that Robbie Kreiger and Ray Manzarek of the Door's - her favorite band - had also been in a while back. She first recognized them from Ray's voice. Frankie Avalon has made frequent appearances at that Olive Garden as well. Needless to say, the waitress received a healthy tip for her service and hospitality. It was off to bed as the next day would be a long one.
14 June 2010
Monday
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Following a breakfast at the hotel, we proceeded to downtown Cleveland in a huge rainstorm. Luckily the Garmin knew the way and all I had to do was to keep my eye out for morning traffic. Suddenly the Garmin decided to take me a way which was not what I was accustomed to- right thru downtown Cleveland. - Oh well, we still followed it. The rain stopped and we got to see some goomer wearing a bright red T, with his pants securely fastened at about nipple height, proclaiming his love of the Cleveland Indians. - What a sight. We arrived and found parking and we walked down to the Museum. Not knowing the traffic or the distances, we were a little early but we hung outside and got in line as the 10a opening time approached.
The doors opened and as we queued up to pay our admission, the sense of wow was already in the air. Huge concert stage display pieces hang from the ceiling, and as we take the escalator to the lower level - where you enter - guitars are in display cases and cars/ motorcycles are parked for viewing. If you have been there , you know what I mean, if you haven't, then you are missing out on a truly wonderful experience. Your formative years come rushing back to you with sight and sound reminders of the music we grew up with. Janis Joplin's glasses, Eric Clapton's white suit and Martin guitar - which is the same make/model (except for the tuning head layout) as Dave's guitar- (Dave's is nicer) - Mick Jagger's white jumpsuit with the grommet holes - several of Jimi Hendrix's flamboyant outfits - hand written lyrics by John Lennon. The list goes on. You depart the lower level and take a escalator to the 2nd floor where more memorabilia overwhelms you - several rough draft pages of Hunter S. Thompson's " Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" , The first issue of The Rolling Stone with John Lennon on the cover. From there it's up to the third level - where I finally run into Christine, Ann and Dave having been separated since soon after arrival. We have a bit of lunch at the in house snack area and then queue up for the Hall of Fame section. A video - now 40 minutes long - goes year by year- reviewing the inductees visually while playing the music which got them there. There is no narrator, just the music. You exit on the 4th level after you leave the HoF video where you can listen to all of the HoF members music from several touch screen kiosks.
The 5th and 6th levels are reserved for traveling displays. This time it was Bruce Springsteen.
We tour these two floors and decide to meet in the gift shop on the 1st floor. As we are choosing memento's of our visit, the announcement comes overhead that the museum will be closing in 15 minutes at 5p. - We had been there for 7 hours and left much to be seen. You get overdosed with information and any one trip is not enough.
We make our way back to the car and after clearing some evening rush hour traffic, we are on our way back home. A quick side trip with a right hand turn from the far left hand lane across 5 lanes of traffic at the red light and a vicious stare from one of the occupants got us some Starbucks coffee for the initial portion of the ride. We passed through Columbus and stopped for dinner. The remaining ride home consisted of a murderous thunderstorm with copious amount of lightning as we passed through Cincinnati. We learned the next morning that Big Butter Jesus - a 60 foot tall styrofoam sculpture of Jesus from the chest up was struck by lightening and burned to the ground. I guess Jesus must have made his father mad as he smote him ! Go to Heywood Banks - Big Butter Jesus on YouTube to see this amazing - now destroyed icon. You will laugh yourself silly. It was a wild ride. We arrived around 2a safe and sound.
15 June, 2010
The End is Near
Coffee on the front porch - albeit later in the morning than usual - and the realization that the end of my vacation is drawing to a close. I'm to depart Friday afternoon and now we are thinking what needs to get done before I leave. I'm not sure what else we did that day if anything.
16 and 17 June, Wed and Thursday
Yard work, a ride to Dicks, lunch with Alex, Christine and I at a sushi bar and then to Ann and Dave's for a nightcap.
Thursday evening we had planned on going to Jim Porters - a local honky tonk where many good acts have passed thru in the day - BUT Dave had read the schedule wrong so the band we wanted to see wasn't going to be there . However not to be outdone, we decided on Wednesday evening to go see Gallagher - the comedian who at the end of his show smashes watermelons and other assorted food stuffs with a huge "Sledge-o-matic" which sprays the crowd who wisely show up with enough plastic sheeting to ward off the flying pulverized food stuff. (Just before we went we ate dinner at Ramsi's on the World restaurant across the street from the club. Always one of my favorite places to eat as it's so eclectic and good.) Thanks to Tom who brought the plastic otherwise we would have been covered in food although we were a good 15 - 20 feet from the stage. Following this we went to the Germantown bar, Zeppelin. We had just ordered our drinks when the band started playing upstairs in the "Listening Room" We quickly went up and discovered it was "show up and go up" night with various musicians playing in pick up bands. Harmonica players were featured performers and I enjoyed their talents as I tried to play along in my head. All good things must come to an end and we returned Vickie to her house ending with long hugs and kisses goodbye and we departed for home. Ann and Dave said they'd be up to see me before I left the next day. I went in to see Wes, woke him up to say goodbye to him as he'd be gone by 5a for work.
In bed and not wanting to go but knowing I had to.
18 June 2010
Departure Day
Christine and I had our last coffee on the deck and then began the task of packing. Christine pulled out another suitcase as she was having me return with a load of her stuff as well. Alex woke up and joined us. Dave and Ann arrived and we relaxed until it was time to go. It was hard saying goodbye as these two mean so much to me.
Christine took me to the airport arriving at 1:45 for a 3:09 flight. We said our goodbyes, she watched as I went through security and went on her way as well. I had the usual hour plus wait and thought of getting a beer but I was all beered out. The prior 4 weeks of constant beer had me bloated, put on more weight than I care to admit and just burned out. So I just listened to my iPod and people watched. The flight was a late but that didn't matter to me as I had a 5 hour lay over in Chicago. We arrived just in front of another terrible storm (why was my vacation filled with this unsettled weather? ) As I was walking s-l-o-w-l-y around the terminal, I stopped to watch the approaching storm when suddenly, a bolt of lightening made it's jagged attack on the ground about a mile away. The report was almost instantaneous. I kid you not, everyone in the entire terminal went WHOA at the same time. The lights then dimmed as the terminal switched to emergency power. As the storm hit, the airport closed down with all planes stopped in place. One plane was being pushed out from the jetway and the guy on the push tractor ran for cover. It rained violently but as far as I know, no styrofoam Jesus statues were destroyed. The storm passed and O'Hare returned to normal operations. Being a hot dog lover found a stand where I bought a Chicago style hot dog. Yum I continued on my lazy walk now having killed 1 1/2 hrs so I ended up in a sports bar where I sat and watched the US Open and nursed a rum and coke for all it was worth. ( I'll tell you it's worth $9 - what a rip) Now having killed another hour, I figured it was time to go over to the international terminal and get checked in. I arrive to find a line which seemed to have no end. I finally got to the check in desk - my baggage had already been checked through at Louisville to get my boarding pass 1/2 hour later ( yes I timed it). The clerk told me they were running late and to take my time. I should have listened to him and returned to the domestic terminal - but that would entail going thru security again so I had my last USA meal at - dare I say it - McDonald's - and went thru security to the gate. Well my 8:30 flight is now listed as 10:30. ARGH The waiting area is filled to capacity with sub - continent types- some of who have a hard time distinguishing what deodorant is used for, so I found an empty gate and stayed there and watched CNN for hours on end - which turned out to be a repeating loop of news stories. I was able to lie down on the chairs but couldn't rest in fear of falling asleep and missing my flight. Another wicked storm rolled through the airport and shut it down again during this time reopening some 1/2 hour later. Finally it's nearing 10:30 so I go back to the gate and there is activity happening. Just as they are ready to start boarding, another storm hits and shuts the airport down - yes 3 storms in 7 hours. So we are delayed from boarding. We finally get aboard and settled in and pushed back from the gate at 11:30p. Then we sit and sit some more. Finally at 1:30a, nearly 13 hr's since arriving at Louisville Airport, (remember I gained an hour changing time zones) we depart for Abu Dhabi.
The 14 1/2 flight was uneventful. I slept a little bit, watched movies until I was bleary eyed, stood in the rear for almost 1 hr to get the blood circulating, returning to my seat to watch some more movies. I watch night go to day and then to night again.
19 June, Saturday
We finally landed, got thru immigration and while waiting for the baggage picked up 2 bottles of rum at the duty free shop. Collected my baggage and caught a taxi home arriving at 2a local time. After getting in and settled, I skyped Christine letting her know I was safely here. I got to bed by 3a and was up at 5:20a when the alarm went off for work. I hit the snooze but in my mind I knew I had to get up. I stumbled around, got my act together and came into work arriving only 1/2 hr late at 7a.
The first few days were a daze. My body was wracked with aches and pains from the limited space and torture devices they have you packed into in coach and my mind was on a completely different time zone for about 3 - 4 days. The first weekend home consisted of sleeping, going to the grocery store to restock the larder and sleeping some more. Finally, getting back to normal this week and getting my work a day habits into full swing as I tackle the challenges this job brings.
So thus ends the saga of my vacation. It was a Fine Trip. I hope you all enjoyed reading about it. I will be posting more pictures soon. As of today, July 1, there are 81 days until Christine arrives in Abu Dhabi to join me and as you have already surmised, I'm counting the days.
Thanks again for such a wonderful vacation - Thanks to Max for the extra spending money and most importantly thanks to my wonderful family- Christine, Wes and Alex and friends for all your support that you give me as I continue to work and live here in the United Arab Emirates.
All My Love
Scott
Fine Trip - Part 6
Hi All,
1 July 2010, Thursday
This past week has been where I've finally gotten my feet back on the ground and began making headway on the massive amount of work which accumulated for me while I was gone. Ahhh -I wish I was back on vacation - or better yet - retired - but that will have to wait for 4 more years.
Having my neighbor Chris over for dinner tonight as his wife Suzanna and son Tavi have left for the summer , going to her home country of Finland for 6 weeks then to London where she and Chris will meet for a holiday visiting with his family and friends. Menu is burgers on the grill, carrot and cabbage casserole (first time I've made it) and a garden salad.
I left off on the last blog on the eve of the deck party.
11 June, Friday
Hot and steamy - wondering if the weather will force us to the front porch - do-able but tight.
We plan for the rear deck and Christine and I set up. Dave and Ann had brought their furniture up the day before. Christine takes the inside set up, I the outside. Roger and friend Tim arrive at noon with the two 1/6 kegs of New Albanian Brewery beer we had selected earlier in the week. It gets set up and naturally needed sampling to ensure all is right with the world. Roger and Tim hang for about an hour but they need to be off as Roger needs to get down to the New Albany waterfront park and set up for the Irish Fest where his product will be featured.
The menu for the party is Hot and Sweet Italian sausages, Brats, grilled onions and peppers. Christine has some dream potatoes and all other menu items will come from the invitees. (as always there is too much food) to prove that point, Cindy Himburg is found on the couch suffering from the effects over eating - I almost had to have her move over as I too enjoyed the feast.
I start up the grill and get the sausages/brats slow roasting and the peppers cooked on the side burner. As the day progresses, the weather has been HOT and steamy - but the chance of rain has dropped and we are now confident that we won't be chased off the deck.
I need to backtrack to Monday when I decided to install the sun shade sails on the deck. I have an elaborate cable and caribiner system to hang them between the house and the trees on the back of the yard. Dave and I get them all laid out, Ann and Christine make themselves scarce, and Dave and I go to work getting them installed. We have 4 sun shade sails, 6 cables, 5 attachment points on the house 5 trees and a slew of carbiners and turnbuckles. Had the owner of said contraption had taken the time to diagram out the set up (which was different from the first years' set up), this would have been an "easy" install. As time advanced and the various combinations failed, the study breaks became more frequent until finally it was too dark for Dave and I to continue. Naturally Ann and Christine were supportive of our efforts taking every opportunity to question our resolve, snickering at the appropriate times and flat out laughing at us at others, Dave and I ended the evening enjoying the the good natured kidding and the cold beer from the cooler. However I did notice that Dave joined in with the girls and started to make side comments on my lack of foresight.! ! We left the sun sails in place and decided to give it a go the next day where I immediately conceded defeat, rolled them all back up and returned them to their place on the shelf where they will stay until we return and the mystery of the one and only installation combination can be solved. Christine, Ann and Dave's snickering is still ringing in my ears!
Back to the party. I had set the start time to be 5 but knew full well that for the most part , it really wouldn't get started to about 7p. Which was just about right. It was wonderful to see friends from the hospital and neighborhood. My sister Ann and her steady Smitty showed up mid afternoon (following a flat tire in Sellerburg) and also helped get the house set up. Smitty is a college boyfriend of Ann's and they have reunited - and I'm all for it as he's a great guy. Naturally the chosen family arrived and everyone got set up for the evenings festivities . Dave played the guitar and Tom brought his electronic drum kit. After a failed attempt to amplify Dave's acoustic guitar, he returned to the natural sound and we turned Tom's kit down accordingly. - fine music then emanated . John Gage showed shortly later and after eating he gave a sparkling solo performance and then was joined by Dave. I was to have played harmonica - however , my tone deaf ears, the one too many beers and stage fright plus the obvious "Please Don't" look in the faces of the crowd kept me wise beyond my years and off the harmonic accomplishment. (although when all were gone that evening, Dave and I played for Christine, Ann, Ann and Smitty). Cindy brought her fiddle - but she too chickened out. Maybe next time Cindy.
The evening wound down and as the departures progressed, I knew it would be the last time I would be seeing some of these people for at least another 15 months as my next planned return is Sept. 2011 for Beer Fest. It was bittersweet. (I know all are expecting me to return this year however, I've used up my allotted "in country" time of 30 days. Any more and the tax breaks go away- and that 's not going to happen)
So the good byes are said and all depart. The food is put away and any item which shouldn't get wet is moved to dry quarters. Dave and I play play some and they too depart. Bed - exhausted and so filled with the joy of being able to call these people my friends.
12 June, Saturday
Up at 5a - rumbly in the tummy, read for a while and then back to sleep. back up at 8 and coffee. Ann and Smitty departed about 9 . Christine back to bed, me - quality couch time - in and out of sleep. At about 1p, Christine is now up and semi-lucid. She asks me where the tables and chairs are? I get up from the couch - look out on the deck and lo and behold the fairies had come and removed all the furniture. Unbeknown to us - and the dog didn't mention a word, Ann and Dave had come and retrieved them. Thanks Guys ! One big job done. Now the house needed restored.
Christine and I got that accomplished and then it was time for us to go over to Louisville for the last Kentucky HomeFront show of the season with John Gage and friends. It was a great performance by three different groups/artists which was followed by a trip to Sergio's where we all enjoyed some excellent beers (Sergio's has reportedly 1000 different beers in stock at all times - many on tap) One touching moment of the evening was at the end of the first show. John always sends a shout out to a recently deceased musician. This night he sent his shout out to his and our dear friend Drew Patterson . So thus John said " Good night Drew Patterson, wherever you are" There wasn't a dry eye in our circle of friends who continue to feel the loneliness and the empty space that our friend left in our hearts. We know where Drew is - he's with us everyday.
And with that, I'll end this blog.
Love to all,
Scott
1 July 2010, Thursday
This past week has been where I've finally gotten my feet back on the ground and began making headway on the massive amount of work which accumulated for me while I was gone. Ahhh -I wish I was back on vacation - or better yet - retired - but that will have to wait for 4 more years.
Having my neighbor Chris over for dinner tonight as his wife Suzanna and son Tavi have left for the summer , going to her home country of Finland for 6 weeks then to London where she and Chris will meet for a holiday visiting with his family and friends. Menu is burgers on the grill, carrot and cabbage casserole (first time I've made it) and a garden salad.
I left off on the last blog on the eve of the deck party.
11 June, Friday
Hot and steamy - wondering if the weather will force us to the front porch - do-able but tight.
We plan for the rear deck and Christine and I set up. Dave and Ann had brought their furniture up the day before. Christine takes the inside set up, I the outside. Roger and friend Tim arrive at noon with the two 1/6 kegs of New Albanian Brewery beer we had selected earlier in the week. It gets set up and naturally needed sampling to ensure all is right with the world. Roger and Tim hang for about an hour but they need to be off as Roger needs to get down to the New Albany waterfront park and set up for the Irish Fest where his product will be featured.
The menu for the party is Hot and Sweet Italian sausages, Brats, grilled onions and peppers. Christine has some dream potatoes and all other menu items will come from the invitees. (as always there is too much food) to prove that point, Cindy Himburg is found on the couch suffering from the effects over eating - I almost had to have her move over as I too enjoyed the feast.
I start up the grill and get the sausages/brats slow roasting and the peppers cooked on the side burner. As the day progresses, the weather has been HOT and steamy - but the chance of rain has dropped and we are now confident that we won't be chased off the deck.
I need to backtrack to Monday when I decided to install the sun shade sails on the deck. I have an elaborate cable and caribiner system to hang them between the house and the trees on the back of the yard. Dave and I get them all laid out, Ann and Christine make themselves scarce, and Dave and I go to work getting them installed. We have 4 sun shade sails, 6 cables, 5 attachment points on the house 5 trees and a slew of carbiners and turnbuckles. Had the owner of said contraption had taken the time to diagram out the set up (which was different from the first years' set up), this would have been an "easy" install. As time advanced and the various combinations failed, the study breaks became more frequent until finally it was too dark for Dave and I to continue. Naturally Ann and Christine were supportive of our efforts taking every opportunity to question our resolve, snickering at the appropriate times and flat out laughing at us at others, Dave and I ended the evening enjoying the the good natured kidding and the cold beer from the cooler. However I did notice that Dave joined in with the girls and started to make side comments on my lack of foresight.! ! We left the sun sails in place and decided to give it a go the next day where I immediately conceded defeat, rolled them all back up and returned them to their place on the shelf where they will stay until we return and the mystery of the one and only installation combination can be solved. Christine, Ann and Dave's snickering is still ringing in my ears!
Back to the party. I had set the start time to be 5 but knew full well that for the most part , it really wouldn't get started to about 7p. Which was just about right. It was wonderful to see friends from the hospital and neighborhood. My sister Ann and her steady Smitty showed up mid afternoon (following a flat tire in Sellerburg) and also helped get the house set up. Smitty is a college boyfriend of Ann's and they have reunited - and I'm all for it as he's a great guy. Naturally the chosen family arrived and everyone got set up for the evenings festivities . Dave played the guitar and Tom brought his electronic drum kit. After a failed attempt to amplify Dave's acoustic guitar, he returned to the natural sound and we turned Tom's kit down accordingly. - fine music then emanated . John Gage showed shortly later and after eating he gave a sparkling solo performance and then was joined by Dave. I was to have played harmonica - however , my tone deaf ears, the one too many beers and stage fright plus the obvious "Please Don't" look in the faces of the crowd kept me wise beyond my years and off the harmonic accomplishment. (although when all were gone that evening, Dave and I played for Christine, Ann, Ann and Smitty). Cindy brought her fiddle - but she too chickened out. Maybe next time Cindy.
The evening wound down and as the departures progressed, I knew it would be the last time I would be seeing some of these people for at least another 15 months as my next planned return is Sept. 2011 for Beer Fest. It was bittersweet. (I know all are expecting me to return this year however, I've used up my allotted "in country" time of 30 days. Any more and the tax breaks go away- and that 's not going to happen)
So the good byes are said and all depart. The food is put away and any item which shouldn't get wet is moved to dry quarters. Dave and I play play some and they too depart. Bed - exhausted and so filled with the joy of being able to call these people my friends.
12 June, Saturday
Up at 5a - rumbly in the tummy, read for a while and then back to sleep. back up at 8 and coffee. Ann and Smitty departed about 9 . Christine back to bed, me - quality couch time - in and out of sleep. At about 1p, Christine is now up and semi-lucid. She asks me where the tables and chairs are? I get up from the couch - look out on the deck and lo and behold the fairies had come and removed all the furniture. Unbeknown to us - and the dog didn't mention a word, Ann and Dave had come and retrieved them. Thanks Guys ! One big job done. Now the house needed restored.
Christine and I got that accomplished and then it was time for us to go over to Louisville for the last Kentucky HomeFront show of the season with John Gage and friends. It was a great performance by three different groups/artists which was followed by a trip to Sergio's where we all enjoyed some excellent beers (Sergio's has reportedly 1000 different beers in stock at all times - many on tap) One touching moment of the evening was at the end of the first show. John always sends a shout out to a recently deceased musician. This night he sent his shout out to his and our dear friend Drew Patterson . So thus John said " Good night Drew Patterson, wherever you are" There wasn't a dry eye in our circle of friends who continue to feel the loneliness and the empty space that our friend left in our hearts. We know where Drew is - he's with us everyday.
And with that, I'll end this blog.
Love to all,
Scott
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fine Trip - Part 5
Hi All
27 June 2010
Well the USA lost to Ghana in the Round of 16 last night thus ending any hopes for the World Cup. I spent the weekend ( remember Friday and Saturday are my weekend days) restocking the larder, filling up the car, hair cut, liquor store and sleeping. The past month at home then jumping right back into my daily grind required some quality couch time. I'm feeling better now and will be able to face the rigors of the coming week.
Back to the Fine Trip Story. If you recall, I left off the night before the wedding.
5 June, Saturday
The noon wedding is being held in the "chapel" on the Yard. The word chapel has an connotation of being small and intimate - well not here as it is more like a cathedral. The Chapel is constantly booked for occasions and this being no different has a 2 hour window of opportunity to bring it off. The bridal party cannot arrive any sooner then one hour prior to the event, and must be gone from the premises at the end of the 2 hours - I know this because as we were gathered around following the ceremony at 12:45, guests for the next wedding at 2p were milling around.
We arrived and were seated, along with Teresa and Tom Brown (Michael's parents) on Brandon's side and shortly after that the music started and the business of getting Brandon and Geselle wed began. In comes the families then brides maids. The little boy who was to be the ring bearer clutched to his mothers leg, a bride's matron, on the way down the aisle. When he finally spotted his Dad, he let go and ran to him in the pews. Was quite comical and just that something that gives every wedding it's own personal signature. Brandon appears along with Alex at the head of the aisle and watches his lovely bride radiate as she is escorted to him. The minister is quite relaxed and brings the assembled to ease with his wit and charm as he talks about marriage and the responsibilities it entails. With the rings properly exchanged the music comes up from the wonderful organ which can also be seen and heard if you YouTube it - USNA Chapel Organ -and Brandon and Geselle glide down the aisle together. We all exit and prepare for the bridal couples exit from the church.
Michael leads the contingent of sword bearers from the chapel onto the front steps. Upon his command the officers draw swords and form the arch so familiar to all of us. As Brandon and Geselle enter the arch, the first pair of swords is lowered and it is announced that they cannot proceed without sharing a kiss, naturally Brandon and Geselle oblige them, they move forward and are again stopped at the next pair to repeat the kiss. - they move forward to Michael and Victor Sigilowski (a Marine 2nd Lt. who will be taking "The Basic Course" at Quantico with Alex). The command is given for a kiss, the swords are raised and as they depart at that point, both Michael and Victor give Brandon and Geselle a swift swat across their rear ends. Usually given to the bride as a "Welcome to the Military Family", Victor swatted Brandon as well and the look on his face of surprise was priceless!
Following this, the picture session was in full swing, we all assembled for a group picture and then it was time to find a cool place while we waited for the reception to start.
The Browns and the Morrows decided to cool our heels and quench our thirst at Rams Head where we enjoyed talking and relaxing.
The reception was held at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. At first you would think this was an odd location - however we soon discovered that there is a beautiful banquet hall located there. But first we proceeded up to to one of the enclosed viewing boxes where Brandon and Geselle had an open bar w/ finger food prior to the reception. It was interesting to look down upon the field where we had been just a week prior for the graduation. The field had been returned to it's natural state with all the chairs, tents, temporary stands, sound systems and stage now disassembled and stowed. At the appropriate time, the announcement was made for us to proceed to the banquet hall where we were to find our assigned seating. We sat with the Browns and a family whose son was best friends with Geselle growing up.
The party got started with the introduction of the bridal party as they entered with Brandon and Geselle kicking it into high gear upon their entrance. The DJ took over and guided the party through it's paces with the dinner being served followed with toasts for the bridal couple. Alex gave a wonderful speech which he had finally prepared the day before. He is a very capable speaker and toasted Brandon and Geselle marvelously. The dancing ensued with all the typical songs being played. For the cutting of the cake, they used Michael's Naval Sword which was presented to him by his parents. It is a absolutely lovely sword with exquisite workmanship.
The bouquet was caught by one of the brides maids and the garter by her fiance (was that set up? ) Further dancing and then last call was made.
We all rushed the bar for an after dinner drink and began to say our goodbyes. It was a bittersweet time for Christine and I as we doubt we will ever see some of these people again. We hope we do - but - as we all know, we have no idea what the future holds for us. (like living in the UAE ? - hahaha)
As we exited we found the groomsmen enjoying a cigar (blech) We hung around some more as we were one of the few remaining of the guests yet to leave and just enjoyed the warm evening and the fine afterglow of a special time. Alex was really saying goodbye to some who he had been with daily for 4 years and I think all could feel the bittersweet moment. I certainly am proud of that group of young men and women. They do give me a lump in my throat knowing that in a few short months they will be the ones at the pointy end of the spear, protecting us from what we don't want to know about and up there on that wall as we sleep peacefully in our warm beds. Sounds like Jack Nickelson from "A Few Good Men" -but true none the less.
We departed and returned to Herb and Barbara's. Alex rolled in quite later.
6 June, Sunday
Going Home !
Alex needed to stay in Annapolis for another day to pick up uniforms and Christine and I packed the car and departed by 8a for Corydon. The trip was uneventful until we hit the rain - and it was one heck of a rain. It rained in Maryland and was not too bad however the downpour we got going south between Morgantown to Charlestown WV was dangerous. We saw several vehicles spun out and in the median. It just dumped on us. However after we started to head west, the skies brighten up and it was easy driving from there. After 10 hours on the road we pulled into Corydon and unpacked. Both of us needed a nice place to relax so we jumped back in the car and went and visited Ann and Dave Self in White Cloud. A few beers later, and a "brief" account of our trip, (and some serious laughing) we returned to home and our own bed.
7 June - 10 June, Monday - Thursday
Chores and more. Hot and sticky weather.
After 2 weeks on the road it was great to see my house again. Christine and I enjoyed coffee on the front porch each morning and spent the week preparing for the party the coming Friday.
We visited Rich O's and along with Roger, Christine, Dave determined the beer menu for the party. We also found time to play some music, Dave on the guitar and me on harmonica. I'm trying but I've got a long way to go. Wes had just started his new job so he was transitioning from night shift to days so his body clock was all whacked out. Alex returned on Monday night and moved back into his room. McKinley, Wes's black lab kept us busy playing with her.
The house is in a transition period, Our stuff is in/out of storage, Wes's stuff is semi in place - mostly packed in the garage and Alex is a temporary guest that comes with a car plus full of stuff, some staying, some returning with him. Christine is trying to make it back into a home and it's really quite crazy. Hopefully she will have it sorted by the time she comes to live here in September - Which btw- I've just purchased her ticket.
Her last full day in Corydon will be Saturday, Sept.18. She departs on the 19th arriving here on our 29th anniversary on Sept. 20.
This week I also enjoyed a visit to the dentist which was followed by a meeting with our financial advisor. Talk about two uncomfortable experiences on the same day ! Actually my dental care was just a cleaning with no problems found and the financial advisor tells us we are still on the right track for the 5 Year Plan to be realized. Naturally the more we save, the more we get to realize so .... we tightened our belts again and are are more determined than ever to be returning to Corydon in 2014. (hey if I had been sent to prison, that would be one thing but to be living in a foreign country making good money and able to return home every year - that's not too difficult to swallow) That being said, I'll end here and start a new blog about the party.
Love to all,
Scott
27 June 2010
Well the USA lost to Ghana in the Round of 16 last night thus ending any hopes for the World Cup. I spent the weekend ( remember Friday and Saturday are my weekend days) restocking the larder, filling up the car, hair cut, liquor store and sleeping. The past month at home then jumping right back into my daily grind required some quality couch time. I'm feeling better now and will be able to face the rigors of the coming week.
Back to the Fine Trip Story. If you recall, I left off the night before the wedding.
5 June, Saturday
The noon wedding is being held in the "chapel" on the Yard. The word chapel has an connotation of being small and intimate - well not here as it is more like a cathedral. The Chapel is constantly booked for occasions and this being no different has a 2 hour window of opportunity to bring it off. The bridal party cannot arrive any sooner then one hour prior to the event, and must be gone from the premises at the end of the 2 hours - I know this because as we were gathered around following the ceremony at 12:45, guests for the next wedding at 2p were milling around.
We arrived and were seated, along with Teresa and Tom Brown (Michael's parents) on Brandon's side and shortly after that the music started and the business of getting Brandon and Geselle wed began. In comes the families then brides maids. The little boy who was to be the ring bearer clutched to his mothers leg, a bride's matron, on the way down the aisle. When he finally spotted his Dad, he let go and ran to him in the pews. Was quite comical and just that something that gives every wedding it's own personal signature. Brandon appears along with Alex at the head of the aisle and watches his lovely bride radiate as she is escorted to him. The minister is quite relaxed and brings the assembled to ease with his wit and charm as he talks about marriage and the responsibilities it entails. With the rings properly exchanged the music comes up from the wonderful organ which can also be seen and heard if you YouTube it - USNA Chapel Organ -and Brandon and Geselle glide down the aisle together. We all exit and prepare for the bridal couples exit from the church.
Michael leads the contingent of sword bearers from the chapel onto the front steps. Upon his command the officers draw swords and form the arch so familiar to all of us. As Brandon and Geselle enter the arch, the first pair of swords is lowered and it is announced that they cannot proceed without sharing a kiss, naturally Brandon and Geselle oblige them, they move forward and are again stopped at the next pair to repeat the kiss. - they move forward to Michael and Victor Sigilowski (a Marine 2nd Lt. who will be taking "The Basic Course" at Quantico with Alex). The command is given for a kiss, the swords are raised and as they depart at that point, both Michael and Victor give Brandon and Geselle a swift swat across their rear ends. Usually given to the bride as a "Welcome to the Military Family", Victor swatted Brandon as well and the look on his face of surprise was priceless!
Following this, the picture session was in full swing, we all assembled for a group picture and then it was time to find a cool place while we waited for the reception to start.
The Browns and the Morrows decided to cool our heels and quench our thirst at Rams Head where we enjoyed talking and relaxing.
The reception was held at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. At first you would think this was an odd location - however we soon discovered that there is a beautiful banquet hall located there. But first we proceeded up to to one of the enclosed viewing boxes where Brandon and Geselle had an open bar w/ finger food prior to the reception. It was interesting to look down upon the field where we had been just a week prior for the graduation. The field had been returned to it's natural state with all the chairs, tents, temporary stands, sound systems and stage now disassembled and stowed. At the appropriate time, the announcement was made for us to proceed to the banquet hall where we were to find our assigned seating. We sat with the Browns and a family whose son was best friends with Geselle growing up.
The party got started with the introduction of the bridal party as they entered with Brandon and Geselle kicking it into high gear upon their entrance. The DJ took over and guided the party through it's paces with the dinner being served followed with toasts for the bridal couple. Alex gave a wonderful speech which he had finally prepared the day before. He is a very capable speaker and toasted Brandon and Geselle marvelously. The dancing ensued with all the typical songs being played. For the cutting of the cake, they used Michael's Naval Sword which was presented to him by his parents. It is a absolutely lovely sword with exquisite workmanship.
The bouquet was caught by one of the brides maids and the garter by her fiance (was that set up? ) Further dancing and then last call was made.
We all rushed the bar for an after dinner drink and began to say our goodbyes. It was a bittersweet time for Christine and I as we doubt we will ever see some of these people again. We hope we do - but - as we all know, we have no idea what the future holds for us. (like living in the UAE ? - hahaha)
As we exited we found the groomsmen enjoying a cigar (blech) We hung around some more as we were one of the few remaining of the guests yet to leave and just enjoyed the warm evening and the fine afterglow of a special time. Alex was really saying goodbye to some who he had been with daily for 4 years and I think all could feel the bittersweet moment. I certainly am proud of that group of young men and women. They do give me a lump in my throat knowing that in a few short months they will be the ones at the pointy end of the spear, protecting us from what we don't want to know about and up there on that wall as we sleep peacefully in our warm beds. Sounds like Jack Nickelson from "A Few Good Men" -but true none the less.
We departed and returned to Herb and Barbara's. Alex rolled in quite later.
6 June, Sunday
Going Home !
Alex needed to stay in Annapolis for another day to pick up uniforms and Christine and I packed the car and departed by 8a for Corydon. The trip was uneventful until we hit the rain - and it was one heck of a rain. It rained in Maryland and was not too bad however the downpour we got going south between Morgantown to Charlestown WV was dangerous. We saw several vehicles spun out and in the median. It just dumped on us. However after we started to head west, the skies brighten up and it was easy driving from there. After 10 hours on the road we pulled into Corydon and unpacked. Both of us needed a nice place to relax so we jumped back in the car and went and visited Ann and Dave Self in White Cloud. A few beers later, and a "brief" account of our trip, (and some serious laughing) we returned to home and our own bed.
7 June - 10 June, Monday - Thursday
Chores and more. Hot and sticky weather.
After 2 weeks on the road it was great to see my house again. Christine and I enjoyed coffee on the front porch each morning and spent the week preparing for the party the coming Friday.
We visited Rich O's and along with Roger, Christine, Dave determined the beer menu for the party. We also found time to play some music, Dave on the guitar and me on harmonica. I'm trying but I've got a long way to go. Wes had just started his new job so he was transitioning from night shift to days so his body clock was all whacked out. Alex returned on Monday night and moved back into his room. McKinley, Wes's black lab kept us busy playing with her.
The house is in a transition period, Our stuff is in/out of storage, Wes's stuff is semi in place - mostly packed in the garage and Alex is a temporary guest that comes with a car plus full of stuff, some staying, some returning with him. Christine is trying to make it back into a home and it's really quite crazy. Hopefully she will have it sorted by the time she comes to live here in September - Which btw- I've just purchased her ticket.
Her last full day in Corydon will be Saturday, Sept.18. She departs on the 19th arriving here on our 29th anniversary on Sept. 20.
This week I also enjoyed a visit to the dentist which was followed by a meeting with our financial advisor. Talk about two uncomfortable experiences on the same day ! Actually my dental care was just a cleaning with no problems found and the financial advisor tells us we are still on the right track for the 5 Year Plan to be realized. Naturally the more we save, the more we get to realize so .... we tightened our belts again and are are more determined than ever to be returning to Corydon in 2014. (hey if I had been sent to prison, that would be one thing but to be living in a foreign country making good money and able to return home every year - that's not too difficult to swallow) That being said, I'll end here and start a new blog about the party.
Love to all,
Scott
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