Kansas Cowgirl

Since SRC was in Japan during her birthday, the Gs were not able to get her a birthday present.  So, upon her recent return to Kansas, the Gs swooped her up and took her to a western wear store where they bought her some cowgirl boots.  Yep partner, here there are:

She is now trying to talk JRQ into taking line dancing lessons once they get settled in Colorado.
Happy Belated Birthday Buckaroo.

Pleasant Hill Show and Tell

After 2 months in Japan, SRC and JRQ return to the USA and hang with Beth in her classy and stylish home in Pleasant Hill, California.

We accept Beth's invitation to join the party so off we go to Pleasant Hill. It was fantastic. I can't imagine a more perfect name for the city. Pleasant Hill is a peaceful and beautiful place where the atmosphere is friendly and the weather is ... well, very pleasant. And her house is super snazzy ... newly remodeled and extra comfortable. We loved it.

On Friday, Beth treats us all to a fun and educational day at the California Academy of Sciences where we enjoy giant aquariums,

tour a tropical rain forest, ride through the universe at the Planetarium and wander the two and a half acre living roof.

Afterwards, we cruise Pacific Heights, catch a wonderful sunset

and dine at The Cliff House where Beth has arranged for *the* best table in the house. Very cool.

Saturday was a party day of Show and Tell where we got to meet some of Beth's famous friends. It was a blast.

Thank you Beth for a FAB 4 days.

Kansas Basketball

Men's Basketball at the University of Kansas carries with it over a century of tradition and success. James Naismith, the game's inventor, was the first coach. Interestingly, he is also the only KU coach to have a losing career record. Allen Fieldhouse is generally regarded as one of the greatest basketball arenas in the country. 5 National Championship Banners hang from its rafters. Tickets are coveted. For years now, my dear Aunt Nancy has been able to get tickets and share them with me. Last night was the first game (exhibition game) of the season. Here is a pre-game shot of the floor from our seats:

Ranked Number 1 in the Nation by most preseason polls, there are high expectations for a successful season. For more information about the history and traditions of KU Basketball, click here or here.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk, go KU

Halloween 2009

Halloween in Potwin Place is an event unlike any other. It starts a week in advance with a neighborhood block party. Hot dogs, chili and s'mores were served. A special parade was held for the neighborhood kids. Some of them were really scary ... like the zombie ballerina:

Halloween night is amazing. Tricksters come and keep coming. While we don't count them, our neighbor counted 1,486 tricksters. Many of the neighbors plan elaborate themes including talking Zultan ...

and flying ghost over graveyards ... complete with a scary gravedigger.

The parade of kids at our house is best described as a blur:

Helen is wise. She invites friends to enjoy (and help serve) the parade of kids. Here are some of the hearty helpers:

This morning we saw that even our circle experienced a friendly Halloween trick.

Here's hoping everyone had a safe and fun Halloween.

Windows 7 Launch Party

Last night we attended a Windows 7 Launch Party. There were cocktail napkins and party favors. No kidding.

Apparently Microsoft has special on line promotions. So, if it means anything to anyone of my 3 viewers out there, here is the link to those special Windows 7 deals.

Not New England, but ...

Not New England, but we have some pretty Fall colors here too. Here is a view down our street:

and here is one of our multi-colored maple tree:

These pretty colors are here just in time for SRC's birthday.

The Perfect Match

Tonight we attended the 35th Wedding Anniversary Dinner Party for our friends Mike and Sally. They are the perfect match.

HRC was the matchmaker. Some day if you've got a minute, ask her how she made it happen.

Housewarming, Engagement and Welcome Parties

On Saturday, we drove the Gs to Smithville, Missouri, to attend Heidi's housewarming party. It was fun to see her so happily settled in her new home.

We were very pleasantly surprised when Andy and Donna walked in. It was no surprise when I insisted on a group photo.

Surprise again ... at least to some ... when Andy and Donna announced their engagement. Here is a sun-squinting engagement photo:

Congratulations Andy and Best Wishes Donna.

We returned home just in time to help host Kenny and Cara's "Welcome to the 400 block" party. While they are much younger than anybody on the block, they seem to be adjusting to the quirky and overly friendly personality of our block.

This time I was late in insisting on the group photo as half the neighbors had already left. Only the hearty partiers remained.

Who says we don't have any fun?

Trojans and Ramblers

Last night I attended a panel discussion of former Topeka High Trojans and Topeka High Ramblers. The Trojans were the school's white basketball team while the Ramblers were the black team. This was in 1949. Five years later, in one of the most historic and significant cases ever, the US Supreme Court decided the Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education case which ruled that separate was not equal.

Held in the THS cafeteria, it was very well attended.

Dean Smith, the legendary coach of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, was a member of the 1949 Trojans and was in town for his 60th THS reunion. Here Coach Smith (right) receives an award from his Trojan teammate, Topeka Mayor Bill Bunton.

The panel discussion was very interesting.

All agreed that we have come a long way since 1949.

Diwali with the Pollys

Tonight we attended the India Association of Topeka's Diwali celebration. Roughly translated as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a national holiday in India that celebrates good over evil. We saw beautiful and colorful saris and learned that women drape them differently depending upon their region in India. We also saw detailed tiny rock art (my term) adorned with candles.

The Topeka version included lots of dancing ...

and dinner that we shared with the Pollys.

It was an interesting and culturally enriching Sunday night.