Holidays

Growing up in Plainview, the holidays continue to be a fantastic memory of mine.

We would spend time down at Granny Ruby's and Granddaddy's house...they only lived a block away so that was convenient to sneak a taste of Granny's tasty morsels of pure yumminess made with love.

She would cook all day in her kitchen and put out all of the goodies. We all knew it was her kitchen. Only 'helpers' were allowed in. Nothing was out of her repertoire. She made the best homemade angel food cake ever known to mankind...don't know how she did it but it was fluffy and tasty every single time.

She would cook while Granddaddy told stories of his days as a policeman and working with the Rangers (not the baseball team mind you). Tales of his minstrel days of wearing costumes while he sang songs from the likes of Al Jolson. Granny would often put him in his place and tell him to settle down.

The cousins would play in the attic, along with the alligator (to Kristi's displeasure), or out in the backyard with the hammock and the massive veggie garden Granddaddy created each year. We had a great time growing up and enjoying the feast Granny prepared.

On the other side of the family, we would travel down to Haskell for the holiday there. Hours of eating gingerbread men (yes, they were tasty morsels with red hots for buttons) and playing cards at the breakfast table. On a few occasions we would spill over to the dining table to play which meant more cousins had arrived and Dad and Uncle Jim were joining the play. Ma, mom's mom, was a skilled card player and would inevitably cheat in her own little way...stealing cards from us at a moment's notice without an apology. Her goal was to beat us and she was a pro. We would play rummy and she would change the rules as quickly as she could.

Cards at Ma's and outdoor play at Granny's. It what we did growing up.

Holiday traditions come and go. Now, Marti and I are deciding what our family holiday tradition will be. Food, trips, movies, whatever it will be, we'll make the holidays fun and festive for us, the kids or anyone who comes visit. Let the next round of memory making begin!

Happy New Year from the Curry's

Traveling with Food

I've been all over the world and have experienced the best of the best in food, wine and more. Yes, I was even offered monkey brain in Thailand (just like Indiana Jones) but this West Texas boy just couldn't do it.

I thought I would write about a few places and foodstuffs that, if you actually read this and travel some, you could possibly enjoy yourself.

So let’s dive in…

London: Sherlock Holmes Pub has the best fish-n-chips I've ever had.

Dubin, Ireland: Shepherd’s Pie at The Sussex. Take a stroll through town and visit the campus of Trinity College. Once there, you can see the wonderful illustrated “Book of Kells.”

Taormina, Sicily: The Granduca served some of the best Mediterranean fish right out of their aquarium...yes, you pick it, they cook it, and then you eat it. The food only compliments the gorgeous scenery as you look over the Sicilian eastern coast. After dinner, enjoy some gelato near the Teatro Greco (Greek Theater).

Sicily: Pizza from anywhere...it's very different than the pies in Napoli or Roma!

Paris: The little crepe stand across the street from the Eiffel Tower…just roll and eat!

Oklahoma City: Johnnie's has the best burgers (along with the onion rings) that I've had.

Bellevue, Nebraska: Stella's has the second best burgers!

Yokosuka, Japan: The little red ramen shop (actually name: らーめん むつみ屋 横須賀ベース店) right outside the main gate of the base...a big bowl for only 500 yen ($5). No, I will not pronounce it...just go and enjoy a bowl.

San Diego: Fudge is the key there...yes, fudge from the Seaport Fudge Factory down at the Seaport Village. You can also get good fish tacos from Wahoo’s Fish Tacos.

Globally: Starbucks...do I need to say more?

Florence, Italy: Gnocchi from a little shop near the duomo. Surrounded by a creamy cheese sauce, these tasty pasta morsels are light but filling.

Kaneohe, Hawaii: At Haleiwa Joe’s, you have tasty pupus but their prime rib is devine…it covers a dinner plate all by itself! Their poke’ is absolutely amazing as well!

Ballard, Washington: Any breakfast at The Dish Café…yes, each dish is a dish!

Wiscasset, Maine: The lobster roll at Red's Eats…it’s just bread, butter and of course, lobster.

Houston, Texas: Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack (near our house) has one of the best bison burgers I’ve ever had...it’s safe to take a selfie here…the bison is on the grill!

Beignets from Cafe' Du Monde

Creators of yumminess at Drago's

New Orleans: At Drago’s, you can watched the grillmasters prepare your very own plate of succulent and garlicky chargrilled oysters.

Beignets at Café Du Monde and their coffee was good too!

Plainview, Texas: my mom's and Granny Ruby’s house...hands down, the best home cooking ever know to mankind. Granny Ruby made the best angel food cake...from scratch! Mom still hasn't shared her fried chicken recipe with me...yet.

Also in Plainview: The Spudnut Shop…the best donuts ever!

Haskell, Texas: The gingerbread men from the Bakery (it’s closed) but you can get their smaller cousins made at the neighborhood grocery store. They are a must have when visiting family in Haskell unless it’s dove season, then you must have those grilled to perfection with cream cheese, bacon and a jalapeño!

So there are just a few of my favorites…get out about and bon appetite!

Retirement

Retirement.

The one word I thought I'd never say. Well, at least not for a long time. Next spring, I will finally pull chocks (that's a nautical term) and depart the United States Navy.

Laton, me and Keith (circa 1985)

After nearly 36 years, it's time. I joined the summer of my junior-senior year when my parents were on vacation. I was a sneaky one back then. Laton was in college, Keith would soon start and I didn't want my parents to be burdened with my college expenses so I joined.

Dad had to the sign the papers and mom didn't speak with me for nearly a month. She's over it now...

Dad in his dress uniform

Uncle Hoyt's Cracker Jacks

My family has always been supportive of me and my Navy career...Uncle Jim, Uncle Bill and others have always told me they were proud of me and frequently asked what I'd be doing next and where will I'd be going. I am  proud of my family for serving: Uncle Hoyt Jr (Navy), Uncle Glenn (Army-National Guard), Uncle Bill Curry (Marines), Uncle Bill Blakley (Navy), Uncle Jim (Marines) and my Dad (Army). I still have my Uncle Hoyt's Cracker Jack blues from his days in the Navy hanging in the closet. I think my grandparents (Hoyt and Ruby - Dad's folks) were supportive and proud...she would always tell me to come back home anytime I needed some home-cooking (she was a fantastic cook)! She even gave me a $2 bill so I’d never be poor.

Barracks photo

I felt that serving was something more than myself. I just wanted to serve the Nation and this was the way I wanted to do that..."travel the world" my recruiter said...I saw San Diego...for four years.

My HMC rating badge..1994

Making Hospital Corpsman Chief (HMC) in 1994 was a huge milestone. Being called Chief was one of the highlights of my career. I wore those anchors proudly and really enjoyed being a part of the Goat Locker.

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily

I didn't travel the world until I came back on active duty in 1999...but first, a nice little tour at the Pentagon. Three years there and many miles of walking around the five-sided puzzle palace, I was off to Sicily for the next tour.

Kids on the ceramic steps of Caltagirone, Sicily

Ah, bella Sicilia...one of my favorite places. The only thing I didn't like about Sicily was the coffee. Sad isn't it since now I have major coffee issues. The expressos I shared with LtCol Antonio Gibilisco were over quick chats where he would drink his cup in one or two sips. I would put at least three packets of sugar in mine! He accepted me with open arms and a kiss on each cheek and we never parted ways without saying "ciao."

Japan, Omaha, Seattle, Norfolk, Pearl Harbor and finally Millington. Traveling the world means exactly that. I have never done two tours back to back in one location. I never felt it was fair of me to ask...I joined to serve. I have never been selfish in asking for orders...I joined to serve. I know many officers who expect the Navy to cater to their demands and give them exactly what they want...for their spouse's career, their daughter's ballet, kids in high school, etc. I've just never asked. I guess it's simply a matter of respect and common decency to never ask...you join, you go do, for the mere purpose of putting the Navy first.

I have put the Navy first for most of my life...now it's my turn to support my wife, my kids and the rest of the Curry clan when they need me. I've wiped too many tears from my kid's eyes every time we have moved...now, I can go with them and help them when they need me. Both will be in college after I retire next spring so I will have that luxury to be there and available.

I met Marti later in life...at a time in my life when I was struggling on who I was and what I needed to be doing. Deep down I feel I have know her for many years. I consider her my best friend, my valued partner, my mentor, my PAO, my advocate and more. I'm just proud that she saw past my faults, past my baggage, past my fears and chose to love me...and only me. She loves me unconditionally and a man would never ask for more.

I guess you just have to make the decision that it's time...time to leave the very institution you took an oath of service...an oath of sacrifice...an oath to defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic...a commitment not only from me but my family...one can never forget the many sacrifices a family makes when serving in the military. Making new friends every two to three years, moving schools, moving households and more...they sacrifice. You can't tell me they don't.

I have no regrets about my decision but I am ready to move on. I am ready for a new chapter in my life...to be a caring and loving husband, father, son, uncle, brother and friend.

HM2 Curry, 1988, San Diego, with hair

I've had so many titles during my career but those don't define me. HM3, doc, Chief, ensign, PAO, commander, knucklehead, 'hey-you' and more...those are just names. They have been a part of me for so many years but still those titles haven't defined me nor will they define the man I want to be.

CDR Curry, 2015, US Pacific Fleet Boathouse photo

Right now, I am looking forward to having the title of hubby and daddio...I'm ready to just do that for a long time.

Some folks have asked me what I'll be doing next...

Well, I just don't know...but I'll have plenty of time to write some more blogs and drink coffee.

Retirement living is where the fun will be...with family.

Bring it on!

To Be or Not to Be?

What kind of question is that really? Yes, everyone is to be…but be what?

Cute and adorable me.

My Marti and I.

I’m a dad, Sailor, son, friend, amateur photographer, confidante, nephew, chef, cousin, uncle, world-traveler, brother, pain-in-arsh (at times), mentor, PAO and more. Soon, I will add husband back on that list which I’m very excited about.

We all struggle at times with who we are and what we should be doing. I started off in high school not sure what I would become in life. I was told that I’d never go to college yet, here I sit with a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma (don’t worry, Sooners, there is always next year) writing this blog.

Downtown Plainview, circa 2000

I worked at West’s Pharmacy, in downtown Plainview, thinking I would be a pharmacist…yes, a pharmacist. I joined the Navy as a hospital corpsman after high school and became a pharmacy technician for the next 15 years…both active and reserves. Now the MA is in communication and not pharmacy…I actually got kicked out of pharmacy school at OU…that’s ok, I think I turned out okay.

Being in public relations (the Navy calls it public affairs), I had to learn many things. How to write. How to present a speech without saying “ah” 10-30 times…for the record, that really annoys me when speakers do that. How to brief my boss. How to go with my gut. How not to second-guess my decisions. 

The late Dennis Farina and I chatting it up in Sicily.

Being a PAO is hard work (but fun and rewarding) especially when you are an introvert…yes, I said it…the I-word. I know, crazy isn’t it. People who actually know me (actually, there’s only a few people who really “know” me) think that I’m not in the big I category. But being truthful, I am.

But when I’m working, I can flip a switch on and be funny, serious or whatever I need to be at the time.

I just be.

The best of being me is being a dad to Jessie and Tucker…they usually don’t read this blog so this won’t embarrass them but they really are my crowning achievements in this life. God has blessed me with two of the best young people I know. They love the Lord. They love each other (despite the occasional fighting and finger pointing). They seek to find their own place in the world. Whether it’s theatre for Jessie or computer gaming for Tucker…they just be. I wake up and thank God for them every day (as well as thanking Him for putting Marti in my life).

I am happy and content. Worthy of someone loving me for who I am.  Yes, I make mistakes but I am who I am…and I’m ok with that.

Small cemetery outside of Dublin, Ireland.

But I still struggle on who I should become? Why? I’m not sure…I’m in my 50’s now…I have no idea what God has in store for me the next 50 years. But I do know, I will be happy and just be.

I love being me…who else can be me besides me right?

Here’s some advice…just be still and listen to Him…just be you.