Father of Six

Tami and I went to dinner with our favorite local dining partners, Tim and Jeanne, last night at The Melting Pot.

This franchise of the Melting Pot is in the former Carnegie Foundation Littleton Public Library, built in 1920, at the far west end of Main Street.

Here is how the building looked in 1920:

And here is how it looked last night (11/1/2008.)

The Melting Pot sign.

Here is a photo of Tami and I, shot into the mirror, while we were waiting Tim and Jeanne.

We were seating way down in the dungeon portion of the building (some say the haunted portion) at a cozy, two-burner table.

Both couples decided upon the Fall Feast, which included a three course fondue, salad, and a bottle of wine.

The first course was a cheese fondue, made with four cheeses, lager beer, and scallions. This is served with raw vegetables, granny smith apples, and an assortment of bread.

The second course was our salads. Me, Tami, and Jeanne all had the California - with a spring mix, crumbled bleu cheese, walnuts, crushed tomatoes, and a tasty raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Tim had a Caesar.

Next, course three, was our main entree. We had chicken breast, three differently prepared styles of steak, shrimp, and salmon. Additionally, we had broccoli, zucchini, mushroom caps, and potatoes. This was all served with seven different dipping sauces.

Finally, the fourth course - dessert!
We had the Flaming Turtle chocolate , and Tim and Jeanne had the Bailey’s Irish Creme chocolate. This came with brownies, rice crispy treats, graham cracker covered marshmallows, Oreo cookie crumb covered marshmallows, strawberries, bananas, and a piece of cheesecake.

A fantastic dining experience, with the best company, left us all very satisfied.

Tami, Boomer and I loaded up the car Wednesday evening, September 24th and drove to Hays, Kansas. We drove through a pretty wicked thunderstorm between Oakley and Hays. Lightning, hail, and heavy, sideways rain.

On Thursday, September 25th, we drove to Lexington, Missouri to Dad and Susan’s house. Sheila was there too, as she had plans to go to the NASCAR race on Sunday at the Kansas Speedway with her brother Dennis, who would be arriving on Friday evening. We stayed up to watch the Oregon State Beavers upset #1 ranked USC Trojans. Boomer Sooner!

On Friday, September 26th, Tami, Boomer, Dad and I drove to Pittsburg, Kansas. We checked into our hotel, and then drove to Columbus, Kansas to my sister Robi’s house. Her husband Mark made buffalo chicken legs, and brats for dinner. Tami, Boomer, Dad, Robi, niece Maria and I then drove to Coffeyville, Kansas to watch Maria’s high school football team, the Columbus Titans, play against the Coffeyville Golden Tornado. The Titans staged a 4th Quarter comeback and were victorious, 20-7.

We drove Robi and Maria back to their house, then we headed back to our hotel in Pittsburg.

On Saturday, September 27th, Robi, Maria, niece Valerie and her girls Laila and Geogia, met us at our hotel. From there, we went to Pittsburg State University (home of the Gorillas) for their football game against the Mules of Central Missouri University. It was a beautiful day and we took photos as we strolled through the campus. We then went to the pre-game tailgating event, affectionately called “GorillaFest.” We each had a fantastic barbequed pork sandwich. The day got better (and hotter) as the Gorillas handily defeated the Mules, 49-28.

After the game, we all went to Robi’s house, where Mark prepared his superb spaghetti and meatballs, and salad. Awesome! We had a fire in the pit and the evening was just outstanding. Before heading back to the hotel, Robi gave us a tour of the school where she works, and all the exceptional art and murals she and her mother-in-law, Dorthy, had created together. You should be very proud, Robi!

On Sunday, September 28th, we left South-East Kansas and returned to Lexington. We spent the rest of the afternoon watching the Kansas City Chiefs embarrass the Denver Broncos. That was unexpected. Later, Dennis arrived from his day at the races. I hadn’t seen Dennis in more than 20 years, and Tami had never met him. It was a good, albeit brief (i before e, except after c - that rule didn’t apply just now) visit.

On Monday, September 29th, Tami, Boomer, and I loaded up the car and drove back home. As usual, it was a long day, and the wind was howling across central and western Kansas.

A most excellent visit. I’d like to make this an annual trip, probably later in the fall.

I’m on my way to New Orleans this morning … Wait, that’s an Allman Brothers tune that’s stuck in my head.

Actually, I’m headed to Santa Maria and Vandenberg, AFB for a day and a half of meetings. I’m looking forward to this trip because I love the climate in this part of California. Maybe I can get some good photos to share.

On Tuesday past, me, Tami, Becca, and Boomer went to Pagosa Springs for a mid-week vacation. Our hosts we Greg and Chris George, up from Dallas.

Two old friends, together again.

We had a picnic in a park (eating has always been a big deal for us.)

We manage to play a round of golf.

This was Boomer’s first round too. Here I am giving him a lesson.

Greg and I played guitars together.

The Blues Brothers of Slidell, Louisiana.

I went to the Philadelphia area this week. I like traveling to Philly. My extracurricular excursion this time was a run up to Princeton and a walk about the university campus. I love the library.

Tami is in Minneapolis this weekend. Boomer and I did the grocery shopping this morning, and we’ve spent most of the rest of the day indoors. It’s been over 100 for three or four consecutive days. Yuck.

There are two boxing matches on tonight that I’m going to watch. None of the combatants are particularly appealing, but there is some potential for serious violence. The bouts are on HBO and Showtime.

Danielle is in Louisiana as part of celebrating her 21st birthday. She just sent me this picture of the best place on earth to get a po-boy.

I had to go to Memphis for the Corporate Transportation Awards Night Banquet last Monday. Since I was nearby, I decided to drive a portion of Crowley’s Ridge, and then make a quick visit to the Louisiana Purchase State Park.

Here are a few photos.

Thanks Paul.

After I finished my business at Valley Forge, I drove over to Gettysburg and went to the National Park there.

Gettysburg is a much different place than Valley Forge. Gettysburg is about struggle, courage, tragedy, and death. It is a very somber place.

Here is a photo of the plaque where Lincoln gave his address.

I went to Valley Forge 4/1 through 4/4. Whilst there, I went to the National Park. I think this is a very patriotic and spiritual place. This is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army licked their wounds, re-grouped, and trained to be better soldiers. By all accounts, it was a rough existence.

Here is a photo of the National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge.

I went to Sunnyvale (San Jose) Monday through Wednesday this past week. Knowing in advance that I was going to take this trip, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the San Jose Opera was currently performing Verdi’s Opera, Rigoletto. I bought tickets for myself and the guy that was traveling with me. We went on Tuesday evening, and even attended the lecture before the performance. It was very powerful, and a fantastic production.

Here is a link to a review from the San Jose Mercury.

The marquee.

Our view of the stage from the second row balcony.

The program and my ticket stub.

A self-portrait reflection in the mirror in my hotel room after the performance.