I found myself in a situation today that left me pumped up on adrenaline.  I was just driving home, North on Interstate 95 and the rain strated getting heavier and heavier.  Then out of no where the traffic stopped.  I was in the left lane, but realized that 500 yards away was an alternate intersection, a way I could travel and by-pass the traffic.  As I made my way over I discovered why everyone stopped.  There were two vehicles that had collided and were hanging in opposite shoulders of the traffic. 

 

I parked, put on my emergency flashers, grabbed my cell phone and headed to car #1.  She was OK so I headed to the next car.  I was in PT gear (A USMC T-Shirt, shorts and running shoes) as it rained, people must have thought I was crazy.  I'm sure they were watching me as I ran back and forth accross the interstate.  Traffic was moving 5-10 miles an hour.  Both ladies were shooken up, but were fine.  Lady # 2 had collided with the median.  Her tail was hanging into the fast lane.  I convinced her to move her car out of the highway for her safety until help could arrive.  The 1st lady's nose was hanging into the slow lane.  I stayed in front of her and started to direct traffic.  I didn't want her to get T-boned. 

 

Cop #1 arrived. I gave him a quick debrief.  I told him that there were 2 cars, 2 ladies, both shooken up, but OK....I asked if he had flares..."gotta put up a warning marker over by that one"

 

"thanks partner" he responded, I didn't see that one over there.  As he was emplacing the flares I briefed cop#2. 

 

"I'm sure you don't need my help, so I'm going to get rollin' " I said

 

"Thanks for stopping buddy.  Look like a Marine...am I correct?" he inquired

 

"Yes sir!"

 

"Be safe Marine!"

 

"Thank you officer...you got it from here."

 

I drove off but was having a rush.  Hopping back and forth across the interstate remeinded me of the video game frogger.  Luckily I didn't get squished, and thankfully the two ladies that collided were OK...bummer about their cars, but they were OK.

 

Helping people is a rush.

 

 

Hey all,

 

So - I've been slow in posting. Work has been crazy for me and I'm just trying to make it through the month of September. Hopefully, things will calm down after that. Well, just for my work. Doug's school is crazy in October with only one weekend where he doesn't have school.

 

We recently acquired two new neighbors. They both seem cool but it's always sad when the dynamics change. You would think with as much moving as Doug and I do, we would be used to this by now but we aren't. In any event, we are going to try to have an open house in October or early November for the neighborhood.

 

Lilliputian has been off to a rough start. She was a rescue kitten and has had all sorts of parasites since we brought her home. She has been on quarentine since August but she just got tested last week to see if her ringworm has gone away. She will get tested again next week and if she gets a second negative result, she can run free in the house again. While Doug and I were in Portland, we found an artist that creates custom cat trees! His work has been the only thing that Doug and I both agree with when it comes to cat trees. Can't wait to get it created and shipped out. Lilliputian should have a blast playing on it.

 

Many of you have asked me what I learn during my riding lessons. Well, eventually I want to be able to show jump. In order to do so, you must first complete four levels of classes. The stable where I go divides the levels up by Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Novice 1 and Novice 2. Right now I'm in a Beginner 2 plus class. In order to pass into Novice 1, I must be able to name all the different colors horses come in as well as the parts of a horse. In the ring, I must be able to perform the following; perfect position at posting trot, perfect position at sitting trot, understand if I'm on the correct diagonal, circle at trot, change rein and change diagonal, correct jumping position over poles at a trot, sitting trot without stirrups, posting trot without stirrups, figure 8 at trot with correct diagonals & steering control, serpentine at trot, able to cut across or circle if too close to another horse, some exercises without stirrups, some exercies without reins, simple games on horseback, increase pace of walk and trot, short and controlled work out of the ring. What we are working on right now is the exercises without reins and the parts of the horse. Once that is completed, I will move into Novice 1 and to complete that level, I need to be able to perform the following; Name the different breeds, understand basic equine care/first aid, control at walk and trot outside of the ring, canter (we actually already started doing that in my current class), understand and apply more advanced aids for turns and circles, beginning knowledge of leads, trotting poles to one foot, individual jumps up to one foot, bareback at walk and trot, position exercise at walk and trot without reins and/or stirrups, position exercise in jumping position withouth reins and/or stirrups over poles (up to one foot), improving position and control at canter, able to canter with control and balance (safely) in small group. Lastly, there is Novice 2 and in order to graduate from that, you need to be able to understand and explain the conformation of a horse, understand the common diseases that horses can acquire and perform the following; improved position and control at canter, able to canter well in a group (able to cut across, circle to maintain spacing), simple change of lead through trot, canter ouside of ring in controlled area, improving position and control over low fences at trot (maximum height of 2' 6"), begin to canter low fences (max height 2' 3"), introduction to simple combinations/gymnastics (multiple fences with max height 2'), simple low fences outside of ring at trot, developing steady, consistent rein contact at all gaits, able to follow horses head and neck, canter bareback.  So - that's what I do in my riding class. The stable where I ride has a series of competitions every summer and I haven't competed the last two summers because I haven't felt strong enough but I am going to compete next summer so I'll keep you posted.

 

This past weekend was pretty fun. It was slightly relaxing in that after Doug got out of school Saturday, we went out for dinner. We tried a new sushi restaurant in Old Town next to Bilbao Baggins. It was excellent! They are very small (they had two tables, a four top and a two top) as well as counter space for about 12. I had several chef special's pieces of sushi and sashimi as well as something I've never tried before and that was salmon salad. It was really good. I couldn't figure out what the dressing was (it was tart) but it was good. Doug had the Terriyaki special. I think the restaurant is run by a husband\wife team because there was only one sushi chef behind the counter and one waitress. Akasaka on Van Dorn has some competition! After dinner, we walked to the harbor to check out the boats and then up King Street to check out the action. Of course, we had to stop at The Silver Parrot where upon Doug purchases this awesome necklace and earring set. (As if I didn't have enough jewelry from the previous weekends purchase during the Art Festival). The stones are garnet and citrine. Doug said he had to get it for me as they are Marine colors. Can't wait for the Ball this fall! The artist is the same artist that created my smoky quartz necklace (just because) as well as the peridot necklace (surviving Doug being CO at OCS for 187, 188 and 189). After making the purchase, we stopped off at the Scottish Tabacconist where Doug picked up some cigars and I looked in the tartan books for the Carroll colours. We continued up the street and stopped in at 218 because we heard some great music from upstairs. Doug and I had both been to the restaurant section before but never upstairs. They had a jazz group playing and the house was packed. We had a few cocktails, listened to some great music and then it was time to head home. Sunday was pretty lazy. We went to Southside 815 and caught some of the game then stopped in at Bombay, Williams Sonoma and Joseph A Banks. We ran into two of our neighbors that were just coming out of the Tratorria with their moms on the way back to the airport. Doug finished the day by catching up on some emails and that was our weekend.

It's taken me a little time to get to it, but two weeks ago Bethany and I had a chance to fly to Portland Oregon and celebrate my little brother Brian's Wedding.  The week was chock full of family activities and there was no shortage of good conversation, good drink and good food.  I had such a good time I gained 7 pounds.  Time to get serious about fitness again!

With the exception of Denise, all of the Luccio siblings were there.  The schedule allowed everyone to hang out a little bit.  Here are some of the highlights:

WEDNESDAY - We landed at PDX and I found out that Bethany had booked a fully loaded Cadillac DTS....it was SWEEEET.  I hate small rental cars.  A mid size is as small as I'll go, I want the leg room. Anyway, it was part of the package deal.  Flight, Hotel and car.  So we were styling all week.  When we got to the rental counter a golfer, probably in his late 50s went straight to the last caddy.  He hadn't checked in with the counter and just went to the Caddy ahead of us.  We had just been told they had one for us.  We were cool, but told the attendant we expected a Cadillac. 5 minutes later a BRAND NEW DTS rolled out.  It only had 157 miles.  So yeah, it was luxury.  The cool thing is that at the end of the week Bethany looked at me and said..."OK Cadillac’s aren't just for old people...it's a REALLY nice car" This is important because I've always advocated that as a potential car for "high rolling"

We stayed at the Benson Hotel....it was first class.  I felt like a King that week.

We got to the hotel around noon or so, checked in and then walked over for lunch at Rocco's...the sauce on this pizza was unbelievable.  Served up some Bridgeport beer to enjoy with it. (I love Portland beer) Then we cruised over to Powell's Books...we wandered around and found some books. The first night in town we met up with Brian and Laura, they showed us their house and all the work they have done on it.  I was especially impressed with Brian's basement set up. They nice wet bar, lounge area and a wine collection to die for.  Laura had a neon sign made up for the bar ...it said "Luccio" in cursive....very cool.  Then we went out to eat in SE Portland.  I don't remember the name, but Laura said that it was their favorite neighborhood eatery.  We ordered several orders of Calamari....yummy.

Thursday morning Bethany and I worked on homework...for her it was work stuff, for me I worked on readings for class.  By afternoon we were ready for family time.  Most people had just arrived.  Just in time for the wedding rehearsal.  Dinner was at Di Niccolas...we used to go to this place for special occasions growing up.  With a table for 15 we enjoyed the company of Angela, Veronica and Paul's Family.  Mom beat us to the punch and grabbed the tab.  The Pizza was phenomenal.  Paul and I introduced Dad to Hefewiezen beer.  He kept telling us that he wouldn't like an unfiltered wheat beer.  He SOOOO ENJOYED IT.  In summary...great Pizza, fantastic beer.  Then we had a great opportunity.  Bethany wanted to show off the Goose Hollow Inn from her old neighborhood...one of her favorite hanging out joints. Krista was able to get her mom to watch the kids and she and Paul were able to go out.  It was cool drinking some more Oregon Beer (Mirror Pond and MacTarnahan's).  As we had a good buzz going (except for the designated driver of course!), the Bride and Groom joined us.  Drinking with your two brothers and their ladies is a lot of fun.  

Friday was more work for Bethany and me.  We also walked around down town.  At Pioneer Courthouse Square we got a taste of "Honkin Huge Burritos" Bethany swore by this place...she used look forward to this place when she lived in Portland.  They were soo big that neither of us was close to finishing them.  We cruised over to trendy third (aka NW 23rd) to see Bethany's old neighborhood and do some lush shopping... Then it was out to West Linn for the rehearsal dinner \BBQ.  Ribs, Northwest Salmon, wine from Brian's vineyard and Henry Weinhart's Private Reserve....my favorite Portland Beer.  This was fun because Uncle Joe and Aunt Carroll showed up.  My 1st time meeting Carroll.  What a great couple!  They were a lot of fun.  The kids splashed in the wading pool and climbed on the playground.  I had nieces and nephews all over the place (6 of them)...it's fun watching your brothers and sisters discipline and love their kids.  Every one has their own style.  Jack Kulp was very excited to get a boost up to the "big slide" Katie Kulp played, but was very shy to conversation.  Grace and Gwen Luccio chased Jack and played with Kelly Capper.  Cody Capper, played with the other kids a little, but he much preferred the adult conversation.  Kenn smiled as he noticed that Cody was spending his time with the adults.  Mom and Dad hosted dinner again.  Jeff Amato (best man) took Brian out for drinks at the Benson.  I was stoked he called and asked if I would join them.  Since I was staying at the Benson it was an easy decision....Spend the last night with your brother and his best man, the night before your bro gets married?  Are you kidding me?  We had a hoot.  They drank 7+7s while I was drinking Old Fashion’s.  The evening was spent enjoying Jazz and swapping stories about our single days.  Jeff made sure we didn't get out of hand. 

WEDDING DAY-  Small Church Wedding followed by Large outdoor wedding.  The Church wedding was for the sacrament and the Garden wedding was for the civil part. Between those we had brunch at Elmer's pancakes.  It was an amazing convoy and we got split up. Slight detour to view the first hotel that Laura's dad managed in Portland and where Brian was working when he and Laura reconnected again. Also got to see the place where both Brian and Laura got engaged as well as Paul and Krista. After a little drama we all arrived.  I had a good talk with Kara and Angela.  Then we headed to the outdoor wedding...a Koi Pond was the backdrop....very cool.  Laura had two Bride's maids (Sister and friend), Brian had two groomsmen (Jeff Amato and Brad Webke) Grace and Gwen were the flower girls.  Gwen (aged 3) lost interest half way though and had the funniest little frown and folded arms.  The wedding party worked around them.  At the reception, Luccio's occupied 2 big tables (+1 for the kids).  Plussing up our numbers were my sister Kara and then Aunts Barbara and Mary showed up along with Uncle Joe and Aunt Carol.  Brian requested that the gentlemen changed into Hawaiian shirts...gladly we did as the weather spiked in mid 90's after the wedding.  Dinner was awesome and more PONZI (bethany disagrees with me on this point - she says that it was not Ponzi wine) vineyards wine and Weinhard's Ale.  I talked to my Sisters, Veronica, Angela and Kara a decent amount.  From Forest (Angela's Husband) Bethany heard the FUNNIEST non-committal response ever.  She asked what he did for fun and he responded "I like what I like and I do what I do" Bethany got me out on the dance floor and I tried hard not to get TOOO silly.

Sunday....we joined Bethany's Aunt Rosie (From Anacortes, WA) boyfriend Sean, Cousin Erika and her boyfriend Eric for brunch at Sympatico's just across the Burnside Bridge.  (Very good food from a small kitchen).  Then we went to a music and art show on the North Park Blocks.  Sean knew the music coordinator.  At the same time, Bethany found an awesome artist that creates cat trees that are huge - Lilliputian is going to be one happy kitty when her tree arrives! That evening Laura's dad (Richard) and wife (Mary) hosted a party so the Bride and Groom could open their gifts.  Blue Heron Ale (another Portland one!) and bangers (english sausages) were the highlights.  I spent most of my time talking to Veronica.  The "three amigos and their amigas" made another showing after hours.  We went to Huber’s, which is known for its turkey sandwiches and Spanish Coffee's.  It's Portland's oldest restaurant.  Then it was to McMenamins Tavern and Pool.  I was so glad that Krista was able to have two adult nights with us.  It was really fun for her and Paul to join us.  Paul is hilarious with a couple beers in him.  The waiter / Bartender was running a hundred miles an hour...he was funny too. We also went over tentative plans for the Luccio\Ransome\Schoenick Hood to Coast team for next year. So far we have Laura, Paul, Krista, Bethany, Doug, Bethany's sister Brittany and cousin Erika, Veronica & Kenn (hopefully), Dad, and then we need two more runners - volunteers anyone? Brian offered to stay at the house at the Beach to cook us all a big dinner Saturday but there are still two drivers to be found... In anv event, before long, McMenamins was closing and most of us were done in so home we all went.

Monday was a chance for golfing at Riverside Country Club (Richard's treat). Bethany stopped by at Noah's bagels before hand.  Brian and I were stoked about the tasty bagels and delicious spread.  Brian then loaded our golf bags with more Henry Weinharts...YUMMY.  While the boys golfed, Bethany went to a spa.  Dad was in Richard's four some, Brian and I were in a less competitive group.  We both started about the same, then I started getting a sore back, I didn't finish, but Brian shot a 97 for the day.  Nice strong finish.  Bethany and I hosted a picnic up in the West Hills in the Rose Garden.  We watched the sunset with Mom, Dad and the Cappers.  Cody was very happy that we had shrimp (his favorite).  What a great way to wrap up our trip to Portland.  The next morning we flew home.  Next time we'll look up some of our friends, but this was a great family weekend.