The Curtis Clan - Summer 2024
Summer Solstice to Fall Equinox
The solstice arrived on the 19th this year and if there was any doubt about the arrival of summer, the outside temperature outside temperature read 104 degrees at the Sunnen Metrolink station in the Traverse as Randy got home at the end of the day. Some days it's too hot to walk home.
|
Neighbors free ranging chckiens along our Cornelia wall were a regular sight for a few weeks (...until they flew into the another neighbor's fenced in backyard and met their dogs)
|
|
SF and Monterey Visit
The next day (Friday) Randy left early for a work trip to San Francisco (National Archives at San Bruno) so he could visit with his dad over the weekend in Monterey, Getting off at SFO the temps were in the 60s, fully 40 degrees cooler than the stop in Phoenix and 30 degrees cooler than STL Randy was able to spend 4+hours on Saturday and Sunday with his dad before fatigue wore Ron out. On Sunday, this include an hour and a half outside in the sun, the first time in months Ron's gotten outside for any length of time and two weeks after his above the knee amputation. It was a good visit.
Hiking around the north side of Fort Ord that belongs to Monterey County and then the BLM lands. Super sunny but temps in the 60s. Perfect if there was more rain (definite golden state vibe).
During the week in San Francico for work, Randy was able to spend a couple of nights visiting with roommate Jake and the Keklikian tribe. This included watching the train wreck that was the Presidential Debate between Biden and Trump where it crystal clear Biden needed to step aside in the election as he did not have 4 more years of service left in him (4 months seemed in doubt).
|
All smiles after a large meal of dumplings and pickled lotus
|
|
|
Backgammon on the balcony was a favorite pastime when not too hot
|
|
Jane - Code Red
Jane had a summer job which allowed her to stay at her apartment in Worcester but did require her to have a car. Ergo the impetus for her May trip home to drive the Sebring convertible (a.k.a. the Micheal Scott) to Massachusetts. Her job was with as a Life Safety Consultant Intern at Code Red Consultants. During her 10 weeks, she gained "…insightful industry experience by drafting life safety plans, participating in site surveys, and completing building code research, fire hydrant flow testing, drawing reviews, and the development of a Construction Services tool for the company." She liked the job in fire-protection and life safety side of construction, however, like after her summer with the Corps of Engineers, she didn't feel this was her life's mission and hoped to find a position doing more structural engineering with a sustainability focus (if the job market cooperates).
|
Jane (3rd from left) and her Code Red colleagues
|
|
A couple weeks into the job, the Micheal Scott failed her on her way into work on Route 9; a minor adventure that ended in the best way possible. AAA towed her to a local repair shop, which replaced the battery which sounds pretty straight forward and it was. Except it fixed a multiyear lingering problem that required us to jump the Sebring nearly every time we used it. The local STL repair shops kept testing the battery and we were told it was good so the problem HAD to be something more exotic and expensive to repair but they couldn't figure it out. While it was a bummer we lived with a misdiagnosed issue that was a significant quality of ownership issue for so long was annoying but that it was fixed was a relief.
|
The Micheal Scott getting towed on MA Rte 9
|
|
4th of July Parade
Once again, Randy jumped at the chance to drive one of our neighbor John Liss's historic Army trucks in the WG parade. This year Cas joined him in the 1968 M715 Jeep.
|
Cas beind the wheel of the M715 "Dark Star"
|
|
| The Lisses in the Power Wagon before the start of the parade |
Sherman Tank as warning to Kirkwood to know their place |
|
|
After the parade, Bethany and Randy hoped in the car to spend a few days at Echo Bluff Lodge. A friend of a friend reserved a third of the cabins for a family reunion and then didn't need them all. We got the reservation of the upper floors of one of the cabins (404), along with Amthony, Lesha and Alex Holmes. The worst part was schlepping our stuff up the 2 1/2 flights of steps from the parking lot but Anthony and Lesha swooped down to make short work of it.
As with our last visit which we lucked into the same way, the accommodations and materials used for the "cabins" were top-notch. The extended group went floating both Friday and Saturday, which RnB took a pass on choosing to sleep in and have the whole cabin to ourselves to feel groovy (no deeds to do or promises to keep). Sitting on the balcony in the shade with temperatures in the 70s temperatures overlooking the valley, essentially having the whole resort to ourselves as everyone had left for the day was just what we were looking for. Once it got hot, we retreated indoors to the AC and overstuffed couches, reading, journalling, stitching and napping.
|
In the Echo Bluff creek at dusk
|
|
2 Week DC Work Trip
The next two weeks, Randy was in DC for another work trip to the archives. Over the weekend, he met up with college buddy Brad and they spent the day goofing off on a mini road trip adventure, catching up on personal news and reliving old stories while creating new shared experiences. The destination was Gettysburg. It had been thirty years since Randy last visited the battlefield and the NPS had made many improvements. North of I-70 at Frederick we popped off the 4-lane divided highway Maryland 15 to take in a few of the remaining covered bridges in Frederick County:
* Utica Covered Bridge across Fishing Creek - Thurmont
* Loys Station Covered Bridge
* Roddy Road Covered Bridge
|
Roddy Road Randy & Brad
|
|
We eventually found our way back to MD 15 and upon seeing the huge, glimmering golden statue rising above the forest hillsides adjacent to the highway, decided to get a closer look. It wasn't the angel Moroni on an LDS Temple as originally guessed but rather a golden Mother Mary at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Ladies of Lourdes at Mount St. Mary's (MSM) University at Emmitsburg. The two atheists inadvertently attended mass as they walked the grounds back to the grotto, which turns out to be one of the many grottos built in homage to the one in France following the apparitions in 1858. Unexpectedly, we also passed by the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg proper that took over the former sister women's college when it merged with MSM. Although in close proximity to Raven Rook Mountain Complex and FDR's "Shangri-La" retreat, we both concurred it would be frowned on by our employers if we went to check them out.
|
Lady of Lourdes Shrine Oblisk
|
|
We got to the Gettysburg Visitor Center just before closing but grabbed some snacks to avoid hanger. With plenty of daylight left, we visited a handful of the most notables spots of the 3-day hell scape of the war as our country tore itself apart 161 years and a couple weeks earlier specifically visiting: Spangler Spring reenactors, Culps Tower, Little Round Top, and Devils Den. We overheard the news of the first assassination attempt on DJT's life that summer while scrambling over the rocks at Devils Den and couldn't help but wonder if our citizenry would once again resort to large scale violence to settle political differences. Disturbing.
| Channeling Chamberlain on Little Round Top |
In the Devils Den pointing out Little Round Top |
|
|
|
In Frederick with Big blue Magaritas
|
|
|
Who wouldn't want a fresh chocolae dip cone?
|
|
|
Cheers - Bethany at lunch with her beasties Maria and Elisabeth
|
|
|
Cas took Dad to the movies on a delayed Father's Day gift
|
|
Aunt Katie and Uncle Don Visit
In early August, Aunt Katie and Uncle Don came to visit staying with us for the week. On day one, we hosted an ice cream and cake social with all the Sage Townies.
|
Katie, Don and the Townie Sages
|
|
The next day we hosted a brunch for the families that lasting a few hours with a smaller crowd (it was a workday for most folks). Dinner at Llewelyn's with them and the Curti was relaxing. On Wednesday, Amy and Alvan's hosted dinner for the Townie adults including sharing tales of the joys of condo living and hateful neighbors drama. We also squeezed in a visit to Cas's work Serendipity.
|
Katie, Don and the Curtri at Serendipity
|
|
|
Meanwhile in Worchester, Jane celebrated her 22nd birthday
|
|
The second week of August, saw Cas winding up her summer before heading back to WSU. The Shaws all showed up to Serendipity for a back-to-school treat on one her last shifts.
|
With the Shaws at Serendipty on her pentultimate shift
|
|
She had her WGHS friends over before they all returned to their respective schools.
| WGHS gang sporting temporary tattoos with Phineas and Ferb on last day of Summer vacation |
Cas and Katie |
|
|
|
Witchita or bust!/font>
|
|
That evening Bethany and Randy joined friends Kent and Greg to enjoy cocktails at Louies Wine bar in Clayton in a comfy booth closing the place down...at 9.
|
Shutting down a wine bar in Clayton
|
|
A few days later it was just Randy and Kent hanging out starting at a fancy Vegan Whiskey bar: Small Batch heading to the Train Wreck for a Schlafly Pale Ale on draft and discussions about movies and books.
|
A pint with Kent at the Train Wreck
|
|
A stunning light show for a summer thunderstorm It was amazing to witness for 15-20 minutes of the most dramatic lightning show he's ever witnessed in life.
|
15 August Summer storm
|
|
We spent Bethany's 54th Birthday eating and goofing around all day with Denny's Value Slams, backgammon, an afternoon movie at Plaza Frontenac, Mediterranean dinner at Aya Sofia (the old Rizzo's). a couple episodes of Grantchester and mini bundt cakes. Nothing fancy but a day doing things we like together.
|
Balconey backgammon
|
|
Another 2 Week DC Work Trip
The following week Bethany joined Randy in DC for a week of one of his 2-week work trips this summer. She was disappointed that they weren't able to stay in the University of Maryland Marriot but had to stay at the lesser nearby Townplace Suites due to a reservation snafu that even Randy's Ruby Platinum for Life status couldn't resolve. It wasn't horrible but certainly less relaxing without the comfy library lounge setting to work in during the day, rather only the one room suite…meh!. The first few days were frustrating but things picked up on the weekend and we were able to sights seeing together. On Saturday we drove down to Mount Vernon and Distillery. The working grist mill was a treat that wasn't there 30 years earlier when he passed by it outside the Fort Belvoir gate the summer of 1994 at Staff College.
| Mount Vernon |
Mount Vernon grist mill workings |
|
|
We got off the GWP in Alexandria and had wood fire pizza (Rustico) but the fried cauliflower in Korean BBQ sauce was the part of the meal that would be recalled most fondly afterwards.
|
Rustico pizza (oh but the fried cauliflower...)
|
|
Meandering back through Georgetown and taking the Rock Creek Parkway north we pulled off based on brown sights of interest notice for the National Cathedral. What an amazing treat on an early evening Saturday in summer. There were a couple small weddings in progress on the grounds and the bishops garden. The visit familiarization with the space when seeing Jimmy Carter's funeral take place there in a few months.
|
In the gardens of the National Catherderal
|
|
|
Capping off a great day at the old Greenbelt Theatre
|
|
On Sunday, we drove to Arlington Cemetery, getting the trolley tour around the grounds. We took in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Arlington House with its fabulous view of the Lincoln Memorial back. Her last night, we enjoyed beers with Kirk James at the Marriot.
|
At Arlington overlooking the Mall
|
|
|
The Blues Brothers
|
|
Bingley Hope Curtis
While in DC we also made a significant life decision (Dum....Dum…Dum…) For a couple weeks, Bethany had been lingering on Facebook pages of King Charles Cavalier Spaniels. Her resolve against getting another dog melted when she found a Blenheim colored female at a breeder outside of Kansas City. With a litter name of "Hope", it seemed to be a sign to us (i.e., its Cas's middle name ). We Venmo-ed the breeder the retainer with Randy's performance bonus. What better way to spending it then to buy love?
| Hope Available |
Just a bit silly |
|
|
Gotcha Day was Saturday of Labor Day weekend (August 31st). We left at 7:30 am to drive 3 ½ hours to Holden, MO and discussed the pluses and minuses of various names along the way. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Hope's mother Faith, who looked very much like Gussie, as well as her grandmother Charlie which we're guessing was short for Charity, as there appeared to be a clear lineage theme. The puppy made the 230 mile car ride home like a trooper with no accidents or any indication of being nauseous.
| Bethany meeting Faith Hope & Charity (Hope with her mother and grandmother) |
Bethany and "Hope" for the ride home |
|
|
The rest of the weekend we focused on our little bundle of joy reveling in puppy kisses, cuddles and chewing with the needle like teeth of puppies. She would quickly tire and lay on us in the sweetest way,
| Pepper is very unsure about this new creature but Bingley is certain they will be friends |
Pepper cuddling a stuffed Caviler toy while the puppy relaxes on her |
|
|
There was a bit of a false start with naming her. Randy pushed for Hildy (Hildegard) Hope. Based on the alteration and the Hildy Johnston character in the Rosland Russell and Carey Grant screwball comedy His Girl Friday. His argument appeared to win out after using an online Magic 8 Ball. When we shared the thought with the girls, Jane "Ummm" her parents and reminded them that Hildegarde was Pepper's middle name that we never used and had forgotten. Ooops!`
| Meeting Jane |
And Cas virtually |
|
|
Bethany decided the name should be Bingley based on the good-natured, charismatic and kind character in Pride and Prejudice who acted as Mr. Dacy's red-headed wingman. Bingley's happy, agreeable, pleasant nature even got Mr. "stick up his butt" a worthy wife. Our puppy shares the outgoing, cheerful outlook that all strangers are just friends she hasn't met yet, so Bingley it is.
`
| BnB with Pepper |
Bingley liked lounging on Randy's neck |
|
|
Bethany's Facebook announcement:
So, this weekend, we did this ... let me introduce you to the newest Curtis Girl! Her name is Bingley Hope and she is the cutest, softest, sweetest little snuggle puppy. Took a little while for Bingley to tell us her first name (Hope was her given name), but as of this afternoon, it's finally settled and she seems to like it.
Big sister Pepper has been SO good, allowing the puppy to climb all over her and chew on her ears. Bingley just wants to follow her and do ALL the things. She loves to play and gets plenty of power naps. And bedtime has been a breeze with minimal mewling -- sound asleep in her crate within minutes, with her baby blanket that smells like her mom and siblings, plus some relaxing "ocean sounds" playing in the background.
Jane & Cas are already in love with her after getting acquainted during video calls (they can't get enough and can't wait to play with her at the holidays).
`
|
Bingley meeting Pepper
|
|
Ominously, a day after her arrival we spied a Barred Owl eyeballing inside the house from a tree a couple dozen feet away from the back balcony. Pepper is probably too big for him (sometimes girth is a good thing). However, a 4 pound puppy looks like a good meal. Needless to say we never leave out on the leash alone.
|
Danger lurking just outside
|
|
Watching the little dog was time consuming and a bit exhausting for just the two of us. The last couple puppies we've adopted, the girls were here and were a huge help in showing them with attention and playing the in and out game even when they were pre-schoolers with Lilly. Its just the two of us now and it's a lot especially when one of us is "trapped" beneath our fur baby and etiquette dictates that the unpinned person retrieve a glass of water or snacks from the other room or let the other dog in/out. This leads to some competition to be Bingley's best snuggle buddy but it really isn't a competition as Bethany is the clear favorite when present.
| Bingley snoozing |
Bingley meeting Gramy and Lucy |
|
|
| First check up (post-shots) |
Best Welcome the on walk home |
|
|
A couple weeks into our puppy parenting, Bethany left for a preplanned girls weekend trip to Louisville with Maria and Elisabeth. Randy was super glad to have her back to do the 15 minutes of stuff puppy free like showering which he didn't do because he didn't want to crate up Bingley. A good problem to have much of September was spent wanting / needing to do things and being pinned beneath a sleeping pooch.
|
Bethany enjoying the culinary treats of Louisville with Maria and Elisabeth
|
|
|
Belated Birthday dinner out at Maggiano's with the A Sages
|
|
Meanwhile in MA
Jane began here Senior year at WPI in August. She in lot of orgainizations and an officier in many but the scribe isn't 100% certain of all of this so he punted.
`
| WPI AXD spirit Day |
WPI AXD Rush echoing the National Park Welcome |
|
|
|
WPI Spirit Shot with her roomates Habbah and Sarah, along with
|
|
Driving his pal John Liss's old Army truck - 1968 M715 Jeep while John drove his Dodge M37 Power Wagon is always a treat this time in the Greentree parade through the heart of Kirkwood. It was inspiring to be behind the VFW guys with at least a decade on us passing flags out to the kids along the whole route was inspiring to see. I don't need an old Army truck to drive in a parade. I only need a friend with more than he can drive in the parade.
|
Experiencing the best of Americana - "I'm not a Veteran, but the truck is."
|
|
We ended the summer with the Novel Neighbor's book release event for Kelly Bishop's the 3rd Gilmore Girl. It was a couple thousand women and Randy at Kirkwood HS auditorium listening to Kelly speak about her life and career memories (there were a handful of other men but you had to look). A present for Bethany's Birthday and early Anniversary present. No book signing with meaningful eye contact (and selfies) as at other book releases but still fun.
| Kelly Bishop interviewed at Kirkwood HS Auditorium |
With our copy of the 3rd Gilmore Girl |
|
|
More Bingley Pictures? OK
| Pepper finds Bingley in her pillow fort. |
Cuddling while we watch TV |
|
|
Few things can compare with walking the last couple blocks from work to greeted by you loving wife and dog. Sometimes life is perfect here on Tuxedo Blvd. in Webster Groves.
