Citizen Bank Park-Philadelphia Phillies

Finally...after probably four years of trying to coordinate vacation, baseball and life schedules the Arcaro's and the Buswell's make it to a Phillies game together! I have walked by Citizen Bank Park, fondly called 'The Bank' by locals, for six years on my way to see Army-Navy Football at near by Lincoln Financial Field. We had tickets for the Saturday game against the Colorado Rockies. Luckily we were in the shade almost the entire game because the heat index rose to 112 degrees. Here are a couple shots from our seats. The first one is the bell in center field, it rings every time a Phillies player hits a home run. In Piper's opinion any time you can find a substitute for fireworks after a home run is a good time. The Bank moved up to second favorite ball park behind the old Yankee Stadium, since they didn't do fireworks either. Stand by for a report of that new stadium later this summer. This second picture is Brad and me, about half way through the game, totally sweating and still having fun. We had seats off third base almost to the foul pole.


I failed to tell you my reaction as we walked into 'The Bank'. First we were handed team pictures on semi hard paper...apparently they were fans because that is what everyone used them for. Good thinking Phillies organization! Here I am with the first banner I saw~ Jamie Moyer! I was just a little giddy. From there Piper ran into the Phillie Phanatic's girlfriend... and then I saw the concession stand for the world famous Schmitter; named in honor of Mike Schmit a Hall of Fame player for the Phillies. What, you don't know what a Schmitter is? It's the sandwich that came before all other athlete sandwiches!! Here is what's in a Schmitter, Three slices of cheese, sliced steak, fried onions, grilled salami, and special sauce. There are tomatoes, clearly there to ensure the nutritional value of this monster, all on a kaiser bun. I wish I could say I ate one but it was too hot!

Once the game was underway, Piper and I explored Ashburn Alley a bit. It's behind center field, has a variety of concessions stands and this tribute to Richie Ashburn who was a baseball player and broadcaster. They managed to incorporate a lot of Phillies baseball history in Ashburn Alley, very impressive.


I mentioned it was hot right? Check out Brad and Ralph, their shirts were soaked!
Then look at sweet little Raina, she was a trooper. Sometimes you get really lucky when your husband's best friends marry cool gals that you can have honest to goodness friendships with, even when you aren't hanging out as couples, and Amy is awesome. She loves Phillies Baseball probably as much as I love Husky Football. She and I were at opposites ends of the seats, but it was still fun just being there all together. Of course I couldn't manage to get a picture of all of us together, but stand by Army-Navy is just around the corner we can get one then.


All in all, a great weekend and a big Phillies win! Here is Piper with Gage on the way to the game. Then Amy and myself on their roof deck over looking the city. It may have been hot but I was happier to be on the roof deck in shorts and 100 degrees than in my parka and -20 degrees!

Last Week at Science & Technology, DHS

Au Revoir
Folks,

As some of you have heard, today is my last day at S&T. As I depart today for the last time, I will remember fondly my last 45 months spent here serving alongside all of you in support of the security of our Nation. I take pride in the things that we accomplished together, and look forward to hearing about the good things that you do in the future. DHS S&T is and will continue to be a great organization, made great by you, the people who serve here. My family and I will be forever grateful for your service and your friendship.

If there is ever anything I can do for you personally or professionally, you need only ask. I look forward to keeping in touch,
Brad
Brad Buswell
Deputy Under Secretary
DHS Science & Technology

Now Brad moves onto the next phase of his professional life, and Piper and I follow along, looking forward to new adventures (like trips to France) and meeting new people from a new company. What to do to celebrate this change? I decided to blog it of course. So, without further adieu, here is Brad's last week at DHS (my version of it)
This is Brad leaving for work on Monday, he seems so thrilled to all of a sudden realize I could be documenting his entire last week. He should be happy I didn't show up every day at work just to take a picture!

Tuesday was Brad's last official dinner too. I went as well, in part because I love these dinners and I also wanted to see Stephanie and Paul since they were out of town the rest of the week. It was held at Il Mulino's, and was surprisingly good. The dinner was with the new UK Chief Scientist and some other lovely chaps, they are in this first picture. Then we took another picture this one with Stephanie Howlett Okimoto, her husband Eric and Paul Ragsdale.









Thursday was the annual Science and Technology Picnic. It was a really fun day. The planning committee did a great job. It was at Claude Moore Park in McLean. Here are some shots of friends and co-workers.


Rolf and Gayle Dietrich then Brad, myself and Mary Beth Hemer



Here is Brad, wearing his award (which will be officially awarded later in August, complete with engraving on the back), with Dr. Tara O'Toole, Under Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate.


While Piper was having a fun time on the swings and playing with Mary Beth,


I was busy snapping more pictures of Brad, here he is with Dan Dayton, and then with Doug Smith.


Finally, the last day at DHS, I was able to snag a picture of Brad walking out the door to head to Vermont and K one final time.
Piper and I went to his office later that afternoon to go through her toys there and said good bye to some friends before heading across the street to the Washington Plaza Hotel for a farewell party. Here is Brad with Jamie Johnson, who has become a great friend and baseball buddy, he even plays in my fantasy baseball league. I told you these are great friends that we have made. This next picture is with Lilia Ramirez, who has worked with Brad, off and on since the mid 90's when they both started working with Admiral Jay Cohen in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs.
Here are pictures from the party Brad with Matt Clark and Randy Zeller. The Shipmates, all at Science and Technology Directorate and all graduates from the Naval Academy, spanning the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. (Almost all are submariners too). This is the signed poster Brad was given (much better than a plaque) and Dr. O'Toole. Carrie Ladowicz, the Admiral and myself clowning around with Brad's other farewell poster. Piper has claimed this one as her own and it is now in her bedroom. Finally, Piper and I with Sara Klucking, my Ellensburg High School classmate and 'Karen-Sarah' who used to be a school teacher and now works at DHS. They are Piper's friends, and mine.

Today is Brad's first day at Vice President of Global Strategy, Morpho Detection. Seems to be going well, he is happy and is looking forward to a little time off in August. Thanks to everyone that celebrated with Brad (and Piper and me) on Friday, and to all the great people we've become friends with because of these four years at DHS. It was as if 'everyday was a holiday' to quote an old wise friend.

Nationals Picnic in the Park

This past Saturday was the Washington Nationals annual Season Ticket Holder event, the Picnic in the Park. Just so we are clear, there was no actual picnicking, plus the day started out raining...but who has time to picnic when we have players and coaches to meet, take pictures with and listen to Q and A's? Oh right, and then there were the Presidents...here is McB with George Washington. She is a little shorter than him so she had to chase him in a circle until he saw her. Piper also had a lovely chat with Abe Lincoln. Then we were off to take pictures with the players.
Here is Piper with one of the new outfielders, Michael Morse. Then we had our picture taken with Roger Bernadina and first base coach Dan Radison. The players and coaches were all really nice and friendly.

After our first set of pictures we had our 'picnic' which was great; hot dog, chips, pop at a picnic table and we were able to watch everything going on. There was a LONG line to get autographs for Stephen Strasburg, but he's going to be around for a while so we saved ourselves the stress and got back in line for more pictures. Here we are with Ryan Zimmerman. to quote Brad, "he is a really BIG dude." That is fact, we knew he was tall but he is just a really big guy, no wonder he can make those catches! Here we are with the Skipper, Jim Riggleman (I have been a fan of his since his stint with the Mariners) and Pat Listach, the third base coach.

Next we checked out the balloon guy in the Kid Zone. He asked Piper what she wanted and this is the ladybug she asked for (quite cute):


Then it was back to the photos, I am telling you, it was a blast! This is pitcher Joel Peralta and catcher Wil Nieves. Joel has a little girl about the same age as Piper and Wil is having his first baby in a few weeks so they were enchanted with Piper and she thought they were two of her favorites. She is currently looking for a new favorite catcher since Jesus Flores has been out for so long. I keep telling her to like my guy, Pudge Rodriguez but I think she is looking for someone younger that will be around a while. I can see her view, since I have been a fan of Pudge's for a long time.
our last picture was with pitcher Miguel Batista, just like all the other players, he was great and we enjoyed meeting him. In picnic's past I have always been excited to meet the players and so-so about the coaches. This time it was different, the coaches were just as exciting and it was cool to chat with them for a minute. I finally got a face to go with the back of bench coach John McLaren and the same for first base coach Dan Radison.

As we left the park we stopped at the team store, and that is where I finally got on the total home team wagon and bought my first Stephen Strasburg shirt. Here I am wearing it the next day, getting Christan Guzman's autograph before the game. Can I be more of a Nationals fan?


Despite the Nationals not winning this weekend, it was still a fun couple of days for our family. Piper talked us into getting Nationals silly bands, we watched George win the Sunday President's Race and had Brian with us. All Star Break is here and I'm sure the team will be ready to win starting Thursday. Go Nationals!

Brad in Sweden

Last week was probably one of Brad's last international trips for a while and he went to Stockholm Sweden. Originally Piper and I had planned to go, but after the volcano incident in April and it being just a beautiful summer here we opted to stay and just hang out in VA. Here are a few highlights of Brad's trip: They Viking crew is a funny bunch aren't they? Brad had time to walk around almost every day and see the city a bit more than he did in October last year. He also flew up to a Coast Guard port and saw the newest ship in Sweden's Coast Guard Fleet, it is beautiful and has the clean lines that I think every sea going person would appreciate: Oh wait, I meant this ship, just kidding with you,

There is a lot more I can add, but let's sum up this trip with his stop at the Absolute Ice Bar. Last fall there was a different theme, this time it was fish or submarines...anyhow they change it every 6 months so he got to see both theme's this year. I got two t-shirts....