Trip to Seattle

actormann Here am I back at home from a great trip to the east coast to surprise the heck out of my childhood friend Dave (now known as Van) Badzik. Dave has spent the last 22 years devoted to the US while serving in the Navy. He's been stationed everywhere from Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh?), San Diego, New Orleans, Hawaii, Germany, Seattle, and all over God's creation. During his career he added a wonderful wife, Carol and two fantastic boys, Nick & Zack.

The Badziks have decided to spend their non-military life on Bainbridge Island in Washington. About six months ago Dave asked if I could attend his retirement ceremony at his sub base. I made it pretty clear to him that I wouldn't be able to make it. I immediately called Carol and told her that I was making my flight reservations.

Last Thursday night I boarded a United flight 917 to Seattle, a town I've never visited. After landing and catching a towncar to the ferry on the Seattle docks I called Carol and told her that I was getting close. About 45 minutes later Carol, Nick & Zack, Dave's sister Kay and her friend Linda met me at the docks on Bainbridge. After many hugs and greetings we headed back to the Badzik abode where I waited in the garage until the coast was clear for me to sneak into the house. After a few minutes I was given the "all's clear" sign and entered and sat on the couch watching TV. Dave came downstairs, stared at me for about 5 seconds and then flipped out seeing me sitting in his living room. During the next hour we caught up with each other and when everyone went to bed Dave still couldn't believe I was there. ( A big thanks to Zack for giving up his room during my visit).

Early the next morning we woke to a delivery truck dropping off 90 folding chairs and a ton of tables to set up in the backyard for the party that was to take place after the retirement ceremony. Hey folks, it ain't 100 degrees out there in the north Pacific, it was chilly in the 60's. It would have been nice if I had thought to bring long pants other than my suit,... my bad (that's for the kids out there). The Badziks backyard is large and it looks great and is just the right size to have a cookout for 90 of your closest friends. I think I'll have my retirment party there in 2050.

We all headed to the Navy base where we met an admiral prior top the ceremony. The center of the base area has the top of a sub sitting there which was the perfect place to hold the event. Dave did a great job with his speach but I thought I should have been thanked last after your wife. Many a joyful tear was shed during the ceremony.

Time to head back to party central and start cooking the food for the guests. Dave and I took the job of grilling two almost 20 pound fresh, local salmon. The menu consisted of food from each place that they were stationed, clever, Carol, clever.

At six the crowd hustled in and food and drinks were enjoyed by all until the last guest left around midnight. A bunch enjoyed the fire pit where a roaring blaze kept the folks warm (damn, that place gets chilly). The cleaning crew ( family & friends) started to straighten things out for awhile and then we went to bed.

The sun peaked it's head out late Saturday morning while we all had brunch at Doc's, a local restaurant at the pier. Next to Zack's rollerhockey championship game (sorry but it turned out to be a loss) and then a boat ride in the Puget Sound on Dave's motorboat. Late at night we headed to an Indian Reservation and we all know what their known for now, CASINOS! I picked up a little bit of winnings and but it was more fun than financially gainful.

Dave and I got up a little after 4:00 am on Sunday morning so I could catch the 5:10 am ferry back to the mainland. Flight 916 back to Dulles and straight to the infamous Mark Minnick Birthday party in Tyson's Corner. A huge congratulations and thanks to all of thew Badzik klan. As Dave said in his speach, "it was an entire family effort getting through the last 22 years."

As soon as I learn how to drop photos in this site should be a heck of a lot more interesting. I promise it'll get better.