On the road to Wisconsin...

On our way to the airport, we were about to exit to go through the tunnels, but the highway was rather crowded and we anticipated traffic ahead.  I had programmed the GPS to Paul's house in Appleton and we made a snap decision to take the exit towards home.  It was some serious spontaneity on both of our parts, which is fairly out of character for Paul and I.  However, what is not out of character is that we decided based on our awesome cost savings, and that it was only going to take us a few extra hours.

We were going home to honor and cherish the memory of a beautiful woman, mother, and grandmother - "Bobbie".  We spent time with Paul's close family during a beautiful service and ceremony.  All of Paul's brother's were able to make it and family came from near and far to remember and celebrate a life well lived.

Paul and Bobbie - Christmas 2011

Paul's cousin read a beautiful poem during the service which captured so many emotions and touched every heart in the crowd.  Words couldn't say it much better than the poem - and hopefully I'll include the words here for you all to enjoy.

Grandma Marsh cracking me up as usual!

Paul and I spent the early afternoon together and I then took some time to drive north a few miles visit with my grandparents.  I got to catch my Grandma Marsh for a moment in the parking lot while we were on our way in to visit with Grandpa after dinner.  He was watching old country music television shows just like we always did when we were kids.  That's where Joel and I developed our love for the Grand 'Old Opry, Little Jimmy Dickens, and the rodeo!  We were bound to find something of that nature always playing at Grandma and Grandpa's house!  We spent a few summers there making forts in the field next door in Pulaski and building cucumber or zucchini boats out of the spare, over grown veggies in Grandma's garden.  I also remember when their garden was in the back of our house on Isaar Rd - we could see the suburban pull in and they would get right to work!  Joel and I would venture out to say hello and help to pick string beans, strawberries, corn, and whatever else needed weeding.  Plenty of fun - and plenty of memories! 

Three generations of Marsh's, aka trouble...

We left Good Shepard only after Mom and I gave Grandpa a kiss on the cheek - his new rule for visitors! Hah!  It was fun to catch up and see his smile!  He just turned 86 a day or so ago which was a celebration!  After our visit, Mom, Dad and I made our way to the Duplex to catch up with Chris on his Birthday!

I picked up a cake and Chris fired up the grill for some awesome turkey burgers!  We had fruit, a salad and the Polish Princess (Lyssa) even decided to join us.  After stuffing ourselves during dinner we lit the cake with some flaming matches because candles were not exactly available!  Matches burn pretty quickly so we had to sing Happy Birthday on double speed. 

Curty, Me, Chris and Lyssa - Happy Birthday Chris!

Matches burn much faster than candles...

Mom and Dad took off for home to get some rest from a weekend of traveling and Lyssa, Chris and I sat outside and enjoyed the evening while catching up over the latest events.  I had to get up real early the next morning to get back on the road, but we still made time to walk to "Downtown Seymour" to fire up the jukebox for a tune or two!  A successful night capped off sleeping in Joel's impressively high bunk.

Birthday Boy - BIG BOY... SMALL CAKE!

I woke Paul up the next morning with a Triple Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte and a scone.  We took to the road shortly after and my Curt Marsh determination made be drive 8 hours until I finally gave the wheel over to Paul who spent most of the morning studying in the car. 

It was a trip that was much too short - but we are sure glad we were able to spend the few precious moments with family. 

Forever in our hearts...

Fireworks in Pittsburgh on the Fourth of July...

A Flap's Family Wedding!

Haus, Mum, Curty, Me & Paul

One short week after a wonderful wedding in Minnesota, Paul and I hoped into the car and made our way west to the other mitten of lower Michigan.  I hear it's the land of the trolls because it's "below the bridge?"... hmmm, must have got that advice from my favorite UP'er!  Gotta love da UP!

The Groomsmen & Groom (Paul, Matt, Mark, Chris)

 

Exchanging vows and rings at the ceremony

Paul and I at the Environmental Center - beautiful view!

After work, Paul and I drove the short 5 hour trip to Metford, MI and pulled into the rehearsal dinner only a pinch late!  I bet we would have been on time had it not been for my interesting last few miles of driving trying to find the place.  We were so grateful to be able to join the dinner, and Haus of course greeted us in his work boots! We shared recent adventures with the rest of the crew and I had the chance to catch up with Flap's and Bailey - who I hadn't had the opportunity to see in quite a long time! 

Kate & I catching up since our run in Houghton!

You know how much I adore lasting love!

After dinner, Paul and I met up with my parents at the hotel to help them unload the loot of Wisconsin cheese and goodies they were able to bring for us.  They supplied us with ample cheese and sausage that we're still eating off of!  It sure cured those longings for Wisconsin crafted goodies.  We were exhausted from the day and capped the night off with a swim.  Paul hasn't had the opportunity to join us on many of our Marsh adventures over the past year due to the demands of his intern year, but it sure was refreshing to be able to all spend some time together.

Curt, Deb, Matt, Cara & I (I think someone tall took this photo)

The following morning we took a swim and cruised around the neighborhood looking for Starbucks, good deals, and of course a little lunch.  It was a relaxing day followed by a mad dash to get ready for the wedding!  We made it for the ceremony and I had the opportunity to try out my brand new Canon lenses!  I was able to zoom in on some of the details of the ceremony with my telephoto - it was great!  The afternoon was warm, but there was a cool breeze that swept through as the service began which I thank Buck for.  There was a touching tribute in the program, more of which you can see on Buck's Blog.

Mom & Dad still dancing up a storm!

Poppa's still got the fastest feet in town!

The celebration continued at the Environmental Discovery Center at Indian Springs Metropark.  The reception room was full of windows and a deck overlooking the water.  It was an absolutely stunning reception and I couldn't stop taking pictures of all of the wonderful details that Cara and Matt put together.  The dinner was delicious and after the toasts, Mark stood up to call our attention to Joel who couldn't be with us as a Groomsman that day.  The boys opened up their new flasks and toasted a "ziggy zaggy, ziggy, zaggy - ow ow oay!"... there wasn't a dry eye in the house, but I guess I couldn't really tell you because I was so touched by the moment that it was hard for me to see through my own glassy eyes.  Haus and Paul came over so my parents and I could join the tribute toast with a warm (ahh, very warm) dose of Shnuffka.  Thank you boys so much for the thoughtful toast - it meant so much to us, and I know it couldn't have been easy.

Showing off a few moves and getting our feet dirty!

Finally getting Paul out onto the dance floor!

We finished the night with so much dancing that my thighs were burning the next morning and my hair was out of control.  Haus challenged me to see who could get lower on the dance floor while still on our feet.  He also had the hilarious task of putting a garter on Kate and ... then having to take it off again.  None of us expected it, but the show was sure hilarious!

This got a few howls from the crowd... and of course Kate's mom!!!

We had a wonderful time in Metford and were honored to celebrate with the Zittermans.  We wish you many blessings in your marriage and the exciting years to come!  Thank you for the beautiful memories!

The Bride & Groom - Matt & Cara Zitterman - Congratulations!

ArchMiller Wedding in Minnesota!

"Love Is In The Air" - June 23, 2012

It was a bit of a snap decision to head back for the Archer wedding - and boy am I glad that I did!  We had an absolutely wonderful time in northern Minnesota celebrating Althea's marriage!  I had been looking at flights for a while to try to get back home without burning any of my summer vacation, but flying into Duluth was kind of pricey... Then something clicked and I pulled a Haus/Winsand - use my Gold Member miles!  I found the perfect flight in and out of Duluth where mom and pops could pick me up on their way to the wedding!

Beautiful remembrance of Jerry & Joel.  Salt and Pepper symbolize the proposal story!

Curty, Huey & Nathan talking something manly?

While in the Pittsburgh airport, I was frantically making calls and trying to charge all of my electronics so I could score us a hotel in the Duluth area.  Everything was fairly full - because of the recent flooding in Duluth the hotels were full of crews that were coming in to makeover and restore the city!  I found a hot deal on my phone and made a phone call - I didn't even have to convince them and they gave me a half price discount - perfect!


After arriving in Detroit - the flights and airport was in complete chaos!  Apparently one of the traffic control towers on the east coast had a fire so the domino effect took control over the airways - delays, delays, delays!!  Luckily we were only delayed and not canceled!  I met a lot of neat individuals waiting for the plane though - gotta love the crew heading to Duluth!

Wedding Worker Bees! Diane and Joann!

Father and Bobbie Dale

Early Saturday morning we made the rest of the trip up to the wedding location.  It was a morning ceremony, and we made it just in time.  It was so wonderful to see the Archers and to be greeted by their smiling faces.  With school and all of life's crazy, it was much too long since we last saw one another!  Ohh how I miss that family!  The ceremony was adorable and full of happy tears - and whatta' know, the first song that comes out of the Ipod was "Red Solo Cup"!  Mom and I looked at each other with wide eyes knowing what Buck was up to.

Morgan, Annalee, and I out on the "pontoon that could"... chug, chug...

Curty by the refreshment boat with the beautiful bride!

We spent the rest of the afternoon taking in the scenery, watching the fishing tournament, and spending time in the company of great friends.  There was a lot  to catch up on and I was so excited to finally have that opportunity with the Archers.  I even had the chance to meet all the new little young family members of the next generation!  The family has grown in so many ways!

Annie and Althea

The day was finished to the tune of an excellent local band and a table full of pies!  I ate so much pie I could barely move, but that was no match for what Nathan was able to eat!  We were able to eat pie to the sound of the bridal party singing "And I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston - hitting the high notes and jamming on the saxophone!

Yeah, I'll have too much pie - it's my birthday right?  Go Nathan! Tin & all!

Serenading the bride and groom...

Dino's clean up crew!

I also forgot that the wedding day was my Birthday!  It the perfect place to celebrate amongst friends - and when the secret got out that I was turning a year older... the wedding sang to me!  Cripes!  I was a wee bit embarrassed, but it was so nice of everyone to send their well wishes!

We took off the next morning and said our goodbyes while making plans for the next time to cross paths.  I flew out of Duluth in the afternoon after some craft store and wedding dress shopping with mom and dad.

It was a wonderful, fast weekend and I am so pleased that I was able to attend the wedding!  Congratulations Althea and Matt ArchMiller!

Until next time Minnesota - stay beautiful!

Finally some trips to the Strip!

The incoming MSTP students, me, Josiah and Taylor down by the Polish Deli!

Peace, Love and Little Donuts!  Yeah, one is covered in bacon.

Yes, I admit... I don't get nearly enough utility out of the excellent shops and cheap stuff down in the Strip District.  Every time I go down there, I ask myself why it has been so long since the last trip down Liberty Ave.  Maybe it's because I'm rarely out and about on weekends, they are usually the few days that I take to catch up on life or head home to visit family!

This one is for you Lyssa...

My first trip down there was with the newly minted MSTP students!  We have six new students joining the program this year, and I think it's always very important to show them the Strip District early in their Pittsburgh days!  Hopefully they take more advantage of the gem more than I am able to!  It was fun to hang out with the new students and get to know one another!  We found some great shops and the weather was beautiful!

Paul and I out for our Sunday Date!

Inspired by the recent trip with the incoming students, I thought it would be great to drag Paul down to the Strip District to celebrate one of the few weekends we have together in Pittsburgh this summer.  We are both running around like crazy with weddings and other activities, that it was such a relief to be able to spend some quality time together.  We had ourselves a little "day date"!

We started off with mass and then got a few treats at the Bagel Factory for lunch.  It was real warm out so, we quickly got into the car to talk an afternoon stroll through the strip district in search of some cheap groceries!

aren't you adorable...?

The public market with local shops! I'll bite...

You can never go wrong with the oils and vinegars - so delicious!

I love the Strip District's character... beautiful.

We definitely found the jackpot and made some impulse purchases!  Paul bought a massive Salmon fillet for $8!  AWESOME.  To top off our seafood kick, we finished the purchase with some king crab legs and a lobster tail!  I thought it was only best to whip it up fresh and have it for dinner... Wow, I was definitely right about the fresh preparations, because the food was excellent!

Making our way back to the car after a haul of groceries!

Puru's house... Such a beautiful apartment complex!

Paul was cracking open the crab with a kitchen scissors in danger of cutting off his finger...  We decided that going back for seafood at Wholey Seafood is a must and a great way to introduce out of town guests to the gems of Pittsburgh and the fine eating that you can do it every corner of the city!  All in all, it was an excellent day date, and something worth repeating in the very near future!

Um, can you say YUM? Makes me wan to go on a cruise!

Pittsburgh Friday Fiesta!

Tay tay, Bhav, and Duerr!  Welcome... Welcome.

Oh Peru, or is it Puru?

Paul was out of town upon my return from my fun week in Seymour, which means only one thing.... I had free reign to open up the kitchen, entertain with treats, and host a fiesta!  It was a Friday and perfect timing for friends to stop by for some drinks, snacks, and of course a bunch of deep bellowing laughs - the heart of any gathering at my residence.

The honkey tonk hunch...  Yeah, pretty pale, I know.

Waaaaay too excited.  Thanks Josiah for all the candid photos!

I was cooking up random things from my freezer ranging from sweet potato tater tots to couscous!  It was a nice little gathering and tribute to the summer.  We caught up with each other about all of our crazy research projects, deadlines, golf games, planned vacations, and the like!  I of course made sure that the mood was set with some country tunes...

Mmmmm cake.  Funfetti, my favorite.

Finally, towards the end of the night, I cut the Funfetti cake and we indulged.  Many laughs and many memories from that night to say the least!  Every time I have a little get together, I always wish I had a bigger kitchen to prepare large med school feasts - perhaps a front yard or a porch would also be helpful...  But, hey, beggars can't be choosers I guess!

I was getting way too much of a kick out of being as tall as Duerr...  Didn't look as I anticipated.

Until next time...  Enjoy the scorching summer!