Vegas, Visits, and Marbled Steaks

I flew to Las Vegas today for a four-day CFC workshop. The first day of meetings was pretty boring, really, and since they always seem to start these things on a Sunday, I may just skip Day 1 next year. The most valuable thing was to hobnob with some of my fellow CFC directors between sessions and during the reception. (Incidentally, I don't regret being here for the reception because the food was pretty impressive!)

I just talked to Christy, and it sounds like she had a good day and that the boys have been well-behaved. They sometimes use absent-Dad as an excuse to act up, but not so far. Mom and Dad, thanks so much for helping Christy out today! We owe you.

It's been fun having Mom and Dad around for a couple of days. It's too bad the timing of my CFC trip coincided with their visit, but at least we got to hang out with them for quite a while yesterday. Sammy and Tracen had a joint birthday party at Dan's house, and we took advantage of a sunny, mild day to have the first BBQ of the year. (Dan, those steaks were tender and, I must say, nicely marbled!) Later that evening, after the boys were in bed, Mom & Dad came over and for a change we didn't play cards but just sat around talking. I guess I'm truly an old geezer now because I enjoy "visiting" with family about as much as anything else.

Wish there were more exciting things to say about my trip so far. One thing I really DON'T like about Vegas (there are many, but I'll try to limit my complaining) is that smoking is allowed in the hotel casinos. Even though I don't spend any time there, you have to walk through it or by it in order to come and go--even in other areas of the hotel there is often a faint tobacco tinge to the air. It gives me a headache. OK, done complaining now.

The weather here is gorgeous -- mid-to-hight 80's, sunny, with just a slight breeze. Before everything started I was able to grab a personal veggie pizza for lunch and sit out by the pool under the shade of a palm tree. I even dozed off for a while... in fact I think it's about time to try a little more of that, so.... have a good week, everyone.

-Bruce