Gee Whiz Factory

The PR agency where I began my career — the Monday morning after graduating from college — has since become Trozzolo Communications Group, which threw an open house for it's new office last night.

Actually, an open house for its new building (well, as "new" as a hundred-year-old building can be).

It was fascinating to see this "live action" painting, come to life before our eyes.

Even the back stairwell was cool.

Their amazing renovations to this decrepit, vacant building; reuniting with my old co-workers, who've remained great friends through the years; the impressive 270-degree views; and all of the party's food, drink, music and atmosphere provided dozens of photo ops ... but even more gratitude for the people and place where I got my start.

I can't imagine doing anything else.

Couldn't make this up if I tried

Even though Jackson wasn’t home Saturday, Brody and Preston from next door were intrigued by me raking leaves in our backyard that morning. Sooo...I seized the opportunity to have some help and quickly taught them the wildly popular, all-the-kids-are-doing-it “leaf-raking game.” Who knew they'd be so competitive?

I think they'd filled their ninth big bag full of leaves, when I began quizzing them with random spelling words and fun questions — to keep their minds off the, um, fun they were having.

I started asking if they knew what various groups of animals are called, such as birds (flock), wolves (pack) and cattle (herd). But when I got to what a group of dolphins is called, they corrected me. “No, it’s not a pod. You mean an iPod.”

Joan Guy Photography

Our friend Joan is a great photographer. But an even better friend.

(And if you saw how little cooperation she got from the under-30 members of our family during this Friday afternoon photoshoot — and still remained patient and understanding, you'd get a glimpse of just how great a friend she truly is. But only a glimpse.)

Octoberfest

While Jack stayed at his grandparents' — thanks Bob & Lloy! (hence the Landon-centric pics) — the three of us went to a fall/hayride party hosted by some friends at church Saturday night.

We had to venture to the next county over but, with four boys of their own, they have a great place out in the country: a big chicken pen, rope swing hanging from a tree, plenty o' pasture, hay bales to climb on, pumpkin decorating and smashing, lots of food, several friendly dogs and a jillion stars overhead.

Oh, and a huge bonfire.

Though it was already packed with kids, Jason was nice enough to take Landon on the hayride along with his own two sons, and told us to enjoy ourselves and eat in peace and quiet. I was really tempted to tip the driver so he'd stay out longer.

Jennifer, here, took the top picture of Landon and me, so I returned the favor.

They even had a separate area just for s'mores. We'll definitely go back next year!

Fall

Or I guess it was really more like "Jump."



After Landon mastered the bucket, then we broke out the ladder.


Practice makes perfect.

And the inevitable leaf fight.

Lunchtime

MapQuest says it's only six minutes and 2.26 miles away from our office, yet I had never been to Kansas City's historic Cliff Drive before. Until lunchtime.






Every single picture here was taken from inside my car, except this one.

Goooooooood morning, Kansas City!

The Biggest Little City in the World

I went to Reno for a couple of days for work earlier this week. Other than two layovers in the Las Vegas airport over the years, it was the first time I've ever been in Nevada.

We stayed at the Peppermill ... resort ... spa ... and casino.

You can't see all the jellyfish hanging from the ceiling, but Jack would've loved this restaurant.

(Taken from my hotel room.) Now that's a cloud bank.

Monday evening, I made sure to be in my room to see the sunset.

Then my aunt (or is it first cousin, once removed, by marriage?) Mickey, who lives in Reno, came to pick me up for dinner. It was the first time I'd been outside the hotel in 48 hours.

After the conference was done on Tuesday, I had 2½ hours before having to be at the airport, so I walked around downtown Reno a little.

This is a brand new children's museum that just opened last month. Its namesake benefactor is the cousin of Dawn Wells, Mary Ann on "Gilligan's Island," and has ties to Wells Fargo.

It took me a while to figure this out, but "A.L." stands for Anno Lucis, Latin for “in the year of light.”

A school, that's on the south side.

The National Automobile Museum. The National Automobile Museum.


I would've loved to experience their "fine food."

The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.

Maybe "A.L." is a Masonic thing.

I originally thought these people mingling on the county courthouse steps were just enjoying the weather over their lunchhour. Then I noticed they weren't smoking and that that entrance is closed, so I realized they were supposed to be "Occupy Reno" protesters.

Mr. Reno himself.

Perhaps they're missing a "P."

Don't know which I'd prefer more — to meet Peg, or try her glorified ham 'n' eggs.

A security guard definitely kept his eye on me as I investigated this sculpture...

then walked to the opposite side of the federal courthouse...

to find the missing circles.

Finally, I made my way to the art museum where Mickey's served as a docent for the past 10 years.

Unfortunately it's closed on Tuesdays, hence the exterior pics ... but this rooftop patio looked pretty cool.

At least you can't say this guy's dumber than a box of rocks.

That first step's a doozie.

And a glimpse of Lake Tahoe (in the background) on my way home.