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.