It's official

I’m going to Oracle OpenWorld in San Francisco.  I have plane tickets, room reservations (at the uber-trendy Clift Hotel) and a full conference pass.  This should be the last of my trips for this year and if not for the six hours of lectures each day would qualify as a vacation.

The entertainment

This year Aerosmith, Roger Daltrey, the Wailers and the Fixx are all coming to the Oracle OpenWorld Appreciation Event on Treasure Island.  Oddly enough I think I’m the most excited about seeing the Fixx again.  It’s been probably 25 years but it was one of my favorite concerts.

Song and Dance

While up here in MA I got to have lunch with a former co-worker.  His nickname is Dance, his wife's given name is Song.  Together they are a competitive Line Dance team, Song and Dance.  They also work as DJs.  He's a very nice guy and he has made a hobby of collecting music.  Thanks to this recent visit I have nearly 300 songs on my MP3 player.  Not bad considering I've only had it for five days.

Not quite the Big E

The Eastern States Exposition is going on here in Springfield and I planned to go tonight with my friend Jeff and his family.  But storms were moving in so we settled a dinner out instead.

The Expo, or Big E, is the New England equivalent of our own Texas State Fair.  I was looking forward to it as I've never been to anything else that was similar.  I've been asked before if the Texas State Fair is bigger than other state's fairs.  Everyone in Texas really does think that they do everything on a larger scale but I don't have a way to judge.

One thing I was going to pass up even if we'd gone was this year's special treat --  a bacon cheesebuger served between two glazed donuts and if I heard correctly deep fat fried.  Doesn't even really bear thinking about does it?!?

International Terminal

Once again I'm flying to Hartford today and I get to leave from the International terminal.  It's my favorite.  The food is better, the window shopping is better and the energy is better.  If that weren't enough of a plus for this trip I also get to fly First Class today.  I don't actually know how that happened but I'm pleased none the less.  I even get an actual meal on the flight and I didn't have to pay to check my bag.  Best of all though is that I believe I've managed to duck Sheela's cold.  It was a close thing over the weekend but it never really developed beyond my annoying coughing phase.  I love my life.

Did I mention

That the rain had stopped?  It's beautiful out this evening.  The kids are spending the night with friends while Sid and I celebrate our 18th anniversary.

Rivers and Storms from the past

The Gales and the Rioses came over for dinner last night.  George, Stephanie and Sid were in JROTC togther.  Richard was a friend from college.  Richard and Amanda just got married and moved to Dallas.  George and Stephanie (and their boys) are driving from NM to NOLA and we are the halfway point.  We may see them again on their way home next week.

Cold and flu season is upon us

Sheela stayed home from school on Friday with a fever and a sore throat.  Have the folks out from work are home with kids that either have the flu (already) or strep throat.  The strep possibility had me worried so I did take Sheel to the doctor.  She is negative on strep but can still expect about five days of fever and coughing.  Without Motrin she is pathetic, with it you can't even tell she is sick.

Ice Blue Irises

For the first time in over a week it isn't raining today.  So I took five minutes and planted the iris rhizomes that Mom gave me in July.  They are pretty well brown and crunchy but they still had a few green leaves and I've seen them come back from worse treatment.  I have a ton of Chocolate Daddies, one really pretty gold and now hopefully some ice blue around the tree in the front yard. 

I was planning to dig them all up do a little bit of thinning and intermixing but it went from HOT to WET too fast this year.  Today was the first real chance I've had and apparently I'm just too lazy.

Palm Springs

I've been invited to present at the National Sales Meeting in Palm Springs in February.  They still have plenty of time to change their minds but I was pleased to just be considered.

AM/FM Radio Kit

Sunil built his first radio today.  It works well but only in a completely silent environment - it's a good thing Sid and Sheela were gone for the weekend.

Bear Year

This marks the beginning of Sunil's 3rd year as a Cub Scout.  He is working on his Bear Rank.  Our den is down to only 4 or 5 boys.  That is pretty small especially if anyone doesn't show for an event.  There are too many events to attend them all but I like the boys (and their families) so we are sticking together.

A mid-zoo nap

8 Years

Of the LaCerte Family Children's Zoo.  We've been bringing the kids here for 8 years and it it still one of my favorite places at the zoo.  I love the "creek" and watching the tiny kids toddle around in the water.  It's about the only place where I like other people's kids.

Zoo day

Shut down

Wow!  It has been a frantic couple of weeks and I’m ready for a break.  I stumbled in from work and promptly fell asleep on the couch.  After repeated “Wake up, Mom” attempts the kids gave up and fed themselves.  Sid wandered in later and did the same.  I’ve been staring at Facebook for an hour now and I realize I’m still not really awake so I’m going to bed.  Tomorrow it’s just me and the kids while Sid rodtrips to Austin with Hudson for a football game.  Sunday we’ll hit the zoo and Monday we’ve got home paperwork to get through.  The common theme here is three days without work.  Can I make it that long?