Theater Update

More on the West End

Our two latest theatrical outings have been to see the drama/comedy "The Old Masters" (3 stars in our 5 star system) and "The Solid Gold Cadillac" (3.5 stars). "Cadillac" is, of course a revival of an old comedy. This one was special because it starred Patricia Routledge -- a venerable British dramatic and comic actress. If you watch PBS you've probably seen her either as Private Investigator Hetty Wainwright or as sitcom housewife "Mrs. Bucket" (always pronounced (by her) "Mrs. Bouquet").

Scandinavian Visit

Posted 29 Sept 2004

Chuck just returned from an 8-day trip to Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden. He accompanied a contingent of 7 others from a Navy laboratory in San Diego. Their laboratory has “Information Exchange Agreements” with the Danish and Swedish Navies covering several technical areas. Chuck’s role with the group was to be the American representative who took the lead on the shipboard implications of these technical areas. In each country the visit included a couple of days of two-way talks and presentations, as well as a visit aboard a new ship in each of the two Navies. Chuck found the ship visits especially interesting and is now busy writing up reports on his impressions and assessments.

This was the first time either of us had been to Copenhagen and Chuck found it a very lively city. The Danes seem to have very lively nightlife in their cities – so much so that one of the largest sources of visitors is from nearby Sweden. The Swedes seem to go to Denmark for fun; the Danes see the Swedes as dour and wouldn’t dream of going to Sweden for fun.

While Copenhagen was historically interesting and beautiful and lively, Stockholm’s downtown and waterfront area are very beautiful. We’re hoping to return to both cities in the near future – but together this time.

Big Weekend

Posted 14 September

We traveled to Washington, DC for Karissa and Dante’s September 11th wedding (they should have no excuse for forgetting their anniversaries). We arrived in DC on Wednesday, the 8th for the Saturday wedding – and returned on Sunday, the 12th.

The wedding itself, in St. Dominic’s Church, was very beautiful – Karissa made a stunning bride and Dante was certainly a handsome groom. Father Lyle, the Catholic chaplain at the Jacksonville, Fla. Naval base, where Dante is stationed, performed the ceremony. It was great that many of our family were able to be there, as well as some of our friends. Dante’s family, too, was very well-represented, including some who flew in form Peru just for the wedding. And many of Dante’s and Karissa’s friends were present as well.

The reception at the Fort McNair Officer’s Club was a wonderful party. Karissa and Dante are both active in the Washington area Salsa dancing scene and many of their friends, as well as many of Dante’s relatives, are really fine dancers. At several points in the evening the dancing was so spectacular that it felt like we were watching a nightclub show.

Jill and Julie were the maid and matron of honor – with Jill playing the role at the church and Julie at the reception. (Julie’s toast was both beautiful and a real tear-jerker – well-done, Julie!) Tyler, as the ring bearer, did a great job – actually making it all the way down the aisle, just like he was supposed to. The other bridesmaids were Dante’s three sisters and Karissa and Jill’s half-sister, Ann Marie. All were gorgeous.

The mother of the bride was a knockout in her bright blue dress and, we’re afraid, Dad was too busy to take many pictures. Until we get those from the photographer, the few we’ve posted at http://chuck.smugmug.com/gallery/220030 will have to do. Hope you enjoy them.

FLASH: We just learned that the secret honeymoon destination that Dante would not reveal, is Costa Rica. They called from the airport to tell us that's where they were headed. From all we've heard, it's a great choice! Well-done Dante.