tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86566470592751459542024-02-08T07:36:44.613-08:00Loving Vegas LivingAfter 27 years on the east coast, I moved west to try desert living and the Las Vegas lifestyle. Here, I share why I love my new life in this fabulous city....http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-930220899023443532009-08-18T23:44:00.000-07:002009-08-18T23:45:23.163-07:00New Blog SiteI've moved my blog over to Wordpress. You can follow me there at <a href="http://lovingvegasliving.wordpress.com/">http://lovingvegasliving.wordpress.com/</a>....http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-12454109587661885412009-04-27T23:16:00.000-07:002009-04-28T00:03:07.499-07:00New Camera<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">My beloved camera, an <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympussp550uz/">Olympus SP-550UZ</a>, has had a piece of dust on the lens for as long as I can remember. I never got it taken care of because I knew I'd have to send it in, and I didn't want to have to do without it. Finally, I decided to go to <a href="http://www.frys.com/">Fry's</a> and have them send it in. Wouldn't it figure that Fry's said my 3-year extended warranty did not cover dust, and I'd have to pay Olympus $180 to have it fixed. I decided that a better use for this money would be to get a dSLR, as I've been wanted. After <a href="http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/04/t.html">some research</a> on the internet, I decided that the Olympus E-420 would give me the best value for my money.<br /></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfafKhQTObI/AAAAAAAALZs/oqjWUP6VjE8/s1600-h/P4270090.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfafKhQTObI/AAAAAAAALZs/oqjWUP6VjE8/s400/P4270090.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">I've been shooting in manual mode on my point-and-shoot for two years now, but a dSLR is still quite different. I'm slowly adjusting to it while continuing to use my other two Olympus cameras (the SP-550 UZ and the rugged <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Olympus/oly_stylus790sw.asp">790 SW</a>). I'm impressed with the crispness of the images. Here are two flowers blooming in my front yard (or "embankment," as Brad put it). </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfafKUU4C8I/AAAAAAAALZk/BtiN0e4d77M/s1600-h/P4260037_01.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfafKUU4C8I/AAAAAAAALZk/BtiN0e4d77M/s400/P4260037_01.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">Edit: The E-420 is great, but I found the <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympuse520/">E-520</a> online for only $50 more, and it includes image stabilization, a larger battery, and a more substantial grip. I'm going to be testing out Amazon's return policy...</div>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-7888771941435295172009-04-26T22:55:00.000-07:002009-04-28T00:12:33.104-07:00Pine Creek to Bridge Mtn, 0 for 3<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="left">Two years ago, Rick, Mike, and I tried to reach <a href="http://lovingvegasliving.blogspot.com/2007/06/bridge-mountain-attempt_11.html">Bridge Mountain from Pine Creek</a>. Twice. We never found the route, so we never made it out of the canyon. When I saw <a href="http://www.hikinglasvegas.com/index.htm">Branch Whitney</a> post this hike on the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/VegasHikers/">Meetup</a> website, I had to try it. I started out with eight strong guys, and this was just not my day to conquer this hike. My legs felt weak and I couldn't get enough air, so at the end of the canyon I decided to turn back. It was probably a good thing because my buddy Gene said it was one of the hardest hikes he's done. The silver lining is that Fern Canyon was filled with water and flowers (and ducks, so I hear), so I was able to take my time getting back to the car and take some pictures along the way.</div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfaaVs5HsoI/AAAAAAAALYM/qJ3rFJ6hH74/s1600-h/P4260018.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfaaVs5HsoI/AAAAAAAALYM/qJ3rFJ6hH74/s400/P4260018.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfaaV_qPMuI/AAAAAAAALYU/TOMGfg6BPjc/s1600-h/P4260034.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfaaV_qPMuI/AAAAAAAALYU/TOMGfg6BPjc/s400/P4260034.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfaaVyft_xI/AAAAAAAALYc/_yPmV5U4c2Q/s1600-h/P4260040.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfaaVyft_xI/AAAAAAAALYc/_yPmV5U4c2Q/s400/P4260040.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfaaWElY1aI/AAAAAAAALYk/Lc45PrlfvWc/s1600-h/P4260051.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfaaWElY1aI/AAAAAAAALYk/Lc45PrlfvWc/s400/P4260051.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NRjeoXwG_cSHxQNNbBKyEw?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWX7JPBpKe8Lg&feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/Sfaaw-Ek9zI/AAAAAAAALYs/bwvt9p56j-8/s400/P4260056.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UZkexiRxL74apxFmmuroTg?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWX7JPBpKe8Lg&feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SfaaxR-PS-I/AAAAAAAALY8/y6d1Yj6zBLs/s400/P4260077.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-993929069198072452009-04-07T08:16:00.000-07:002009-04-07T08:29:31.444-07:00UNC - National Champs!It's March Madness, the most wonderful time of the year. My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alma</span> mater, North Carolina, reached the national championship game. So did my dad's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">alma</span> mater, Michigan State. As indicated by the flag hanging outside my parent's house, my family was a bit divided on the issue.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SdtuoA0eneI/AAAAAAAALIM/A4-0RlIjqtM/s1600-h/Misc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321969018362306018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SdtuoA0eneI/AAAAAAAALIM/A4-0RlIjqtM/s400/Misc.jpg" border="0" /></a>I didn't have anyone to watch the game with, but I really wanted to share the excitement with others, preferably people who were cheering for a reason other than the betting line. Hours before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tipoff</span>, I discovered that there is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Las</span> Vegas Carolina Club. I've been out here two and a half years, and I had no idea. I drove down to a sports bar just south of the Strip and met 12 or so other Carolina alums. I yelled, I screamed, and I cried at the end when my Tar Heels won their 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> national championship.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SdtuolqG_II/AAAAAAAALIU/vYLZfXlLAO8/s1600-h/LV+Carolina+Club+4-6-09.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SdtuolqG_II/AAAAAAAALIU/vYLZfXlLAO8/s400/LV+Carolina+Club+4-6-09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />(Sorry Dad - I would be pulling for the Spartans in any other game. I'll be sure that the national championship t-shirt I send you doesn't show the final score.)...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-9823045248650019872009-03-12T22:09:00.000-07:002009-03-12T23:07:47.675-07:00The Valley's Newest Casino - M ResortDespite the on-going recession, which has noticeably hit Las Vegas with decreased visitor numbers and delayed construction projects, a new casino opened on the south end of the valley last week. Ron and I ventured down to the <a href="http://www.themresort.com/">M Resort</a> to check it out.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnqqOkZhCI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/nB0IMh11kIw/s1600-h/P3110037.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnqqOkZhCI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/nB0IMh11kIw/s400/P3110037.JPG" border="0" /></a>Our goal was a quick meal at the buffet followed by some poker. We got there at 6pm and the wait in the buffet line was said to be 45 minutes. We immediately tried plan B, which was for me to get in the long rewards card line while Ron scoped out an alternative dining spot. Ron picked <a href="http://www.themresort.com/veloce.html">Veloce Cibo</a>, a sushi restaurant, while I got through the rewards line in 30 minutes<br /><br />To our surprise, Veloce Cibo was located on top of the hotel, with the panoramic valley view that M has been praised for. We asked for the sushi bar, which turned out to be short cocktail tables with comfortable bucket seats right against the picture window.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnsFw5EYSI/AAAAAAAAK9A/ZwpHUY9q6ww/s1600-h/P3110051.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312536819227975970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnsFw5EYSI/AAAAAAAAK9A/ZwpHUY9q6ww/s400/P3110051.JPG" border="0" /></a>We received both a bar menu and a dining menu, which included sushi, small plates, and large plates. M has been noted as having a more approachable price point in their restaurants, and this was evident in their top floor restaurant only having two entrees over $30 (lobster and veal, as could be expected). Off the small plates, we ordered steamed potstickers and Kobe beef sliders, which were impressively presented with a mound of crispy sweet potato fries.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnqqQ5x73I/AAAAAAAAK8o/F5q9JvtWtdg/s1600-h/P3110046.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnqqQ5x73I/AAAAAAAAK8o/F5q9JvtWtdg/s400/P3110046.JPG" border="0" /></a> The best bargain of the restaurant was their bar menu. We actually asked the waiter if the prices and description were correct because the sushi appeared to be an absolute steal. We ordered the sushi for two, which included three different rolls with four pieces each for only $16.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnsFapF2LI/AAAAAAAAK84/sU-GZ2KubvM/s1600-h/P3110050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312536813255383218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnsFapF2LI/AAAAAAAAK84/sU-GZ2KubvM/s400/P3110050.JPG" border="0" /></a> An even more unbelievable value was the sashimi for two, which included three slices each of three different types of tuna sashimi for only $12. That price is unheard of, and the fish was fresh and delicious.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnsFGdkXeI/AAAAAAAAK8w/c4TNxHrBteQ/s1600-h/P3110049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312536807838342626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnsFGdkXeI/AAAAAAAAK8w/c4TNxHrBteQ/s400/P3110049.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the more unique parts of our dining experience was the wine selection. We wanted to order wines by the glass and were informed that the wine was self-serve and we could purchase a $25 debit card for use in the wine machine. They are obviously still working out the kinks in the system because the waiter didn't know if the card could be recharged or if it could be used at a later date, but the wine dispensing system is ingenious. A wall of wine stores a vast selection of bottles preserved using the <a href="http://www.enomatic-usa.com/">Enomatic</a> system. You simply put your debit card in, select the wine and amount (1-, 3-, or 5-oz pours), and stick your fresh glass under the spout as your wine is dispensed.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnqqbUMhEI/AAAAAAAAK8g/BMlObMnUXiw/s1600-h/P3110042.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnqqbUMhEI/AAAAAAAAK8g/BMlObMnUXiw/s400/P3110042.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnqqCfmdxI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/_VR3K1WhuvE/s1600-h/P3110041.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SbnqqCfmdxI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/_VR3K1WhuvE/s400/P3110041.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>After dinner and soaking up the view, we checked out the pool area and the wine bar downstairs, which uses the same system to boast 120 wines by the glass (without the need to employ cocktail waitresses, cutting down overhead and speeding up the serving process). Eventually, we made it to the poker room for a short session of 4/8L. Although the table had half blinds and a half-kill (I want to play 4/8, not 6/12, thank you very much), this was the perfect game for me - loose-passive. I haven't played poker in over a year, so I was nervous about remembering how to figure odds, but the passive nature of the players allowed me to ease in without having to call many raises, and the looseness of the table let me play the hands I knew were strong. Ron made a killing at the table, but I was happy to take my $18 profit and call it a night. I know there will be many more adventures out to M. Although it was only a 25 minute drive from Summerlin, it almost makes me miss living on the south side of town....http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-37734587523513485992009-03-05T23:07:00.000-08:002009-03-12T23:56:26.184-07:00Wine and AppetizersI took advantage of my parents' visit to finally have a group of people over to my house. I thought of it as a sort of house-warming, so I had the crazy idea to prepare all of the food myself. The heavy-appetizer menu included tarragon deviled eggs, walnut Gorgonzola in endive, prosciutto mushroom sautée in phyllo shells, mini onion tarts, bruschetta, lime cheesecake in Oreo shells, chocolate-covered strawberries, and mini lemon meringues. I prepped for two days with help from Mom and Dad.<br /><br />There were eleven people total, and we all fit comfortably around my new extended island. My stools had just arrived, so there was plenty of seating and way too much food (though we had no problem emptying the wine). I ate the baked brie and asiago onion bread brought by guests for breakfast for several days. Although game night is now defunct (L&B, please come back!), I hope this group can start a monthly wine and app get-together.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/Sbn_2neGPhI/AAAAAAAAK9Y/KPMn6ZDXORA/s1600-h/P3050019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312558549233450514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/Sbn_2neGPhI/AAAAAAAAK9Y/KPMn6ZDXORA/s400/P3050019.JPG" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-39598204925028609492009-01-31T09:00:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:34:05.259-08:00The Great Kitchen RemodelI love, love, love my house. But the one thing I disliked about it when I bought it is the kitchen counters. They are white tile with a lip to the edge, which makes them impossible to clean. I decided for my 30th birthday, I would treat myself to the long-lasting present of a kitchen remodel.<br /><br />I started out by getting quotes for granite counters at Lowe's and Home Depot. Then I hooked up with a talented interior designer friend of Brad's, who connected me with a granite installer, granite warehouse, and a carpenter. I found that going through these individuals rather than a big box store was much cheaper and much higher quality. I couldn't believe the granite selection I had to choose from compared to the boring colors available at the box stores. It was also a super fast process. They did the tile removal and granite installation in one day and the backsplash on the second day. The results are amazing and worth every penny.<br /><br />My kitchen when I bought the house. Notice the breakfast nook to the right of the island. I knew I would never put a table there, so why not extend the island and turn it into usable space?<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KcOogS5kXONfD4NQhYRpOA?authkey=A4m_9xAYUS4&feat=embedwebsite"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296863105935266514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SIJ-4e1SNVI/AAAAAAAAGts/1STtpFj-MFA/s400/P7190051.JPG" border="0" /></a>My kitchen with the new counters and backsplash, including the extended island. Once I get stools, I will be able to have guests sit and enjoy wine and appetizers while I am cooking (the island also serves as a nice barrier for my cooking space). It can even be used as an eat-in kitchen, and I could probably get 10 people around the island.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IxXnfFonb0D5kfnCxdhXZA?authkey=A4m_9xAYUS4&feat=embedwebsite"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296863105935266514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SYJZazp3LAI/AAAAAAAAKqI/KEDYJTxjKe8/s400/P1290007.JPG" border="0" /></a>Detail of the island and the granite. I am so happy with my selection. It is light enough that it doesn't take over the kitchen, but it is unique with its movement and color variations throughout.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uuNyzx7k49GQy9aJYyYK9g?authkey=A4m_9xAYUS4&feat=embedwebsite"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296863105935266514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SYJZd6Tj2CI/AAAAAAAAKrA/n0QpFZdgdPc/s400/P1290014.JPG" border="0" /></a>Detail of the sink. I had not factored the sink, faucet, and plumbing into my budget, so this is where I blew my budget. But I'm happy with the money I invested into it. The right basin is twice as big and twice as deep as a regular sink, which will make cleaning pots and pans much easier.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eUnbGkR-oVgxt6emNBSFqA?authkey=A4m_9xAYUS4&feat=embedwebsite"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296863105935266514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SYJZdIH2WzI/AAAAAAAAKqw/m6A0IJxjvaE/s400/P1290012.JPG" border="0" /></a> Detail of the granite backsplash behind the stove and the stone backsplash behind the rest of the counter. The stone might be my favorite part of the kitchen. The opposite wall in the living room has similar stone tiles (but darker and bigger), so it brings the whole great room together.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kwFh_0lXohT_bePs7J1rnQ?authkey=A4m_9xAYUS4&feat=embedwebsite"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296863105935266514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SYJZc4tvReI/AAAAAAAAKqo/qa6hTWeZ9Ss/s400/P1290011.JPG" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-54698281676354905182009-01-29T15:31:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:34:59.788-08:00French BrasserieWhile I was in RTP, a group of co-workers and I checked out <a href="http://www.coquetteraleigh.com/">Coquette Brasserie</a> at North Hills in Raleigh. The decor looked just like a bistro in France, without the cloud of cigarette smoke. I've been to French restaurants where the waitstaff is fluent in French (<a href="http://www.bonjourvegas.com/">Bonjour Bistro</a>) or is taught a handful of French words (<a href="http://www.monamigabi.com/vegas">Mon Ami Gabi</a>), but this was not one of those restaurants. I really wanted steak au poive, but didn't want something that heavy, so I ordered moules frîtes. The mussels were fine, though I sort of lost my appetite for mollusks after watching the guys eat raw oysters. The fries were wonderful, thin and soft with a slight crispness. If I lived nearby, I would go again for a drink and an appetizer or dessert, but I think there are better French restaurants in the area to try.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SYI87ESoiZI/AAAAAAAAKp4/pXJ3c8RH4P0/s1600-h/P1260109.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296863097202968978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SYI87ESoiZI/AAAAAAAAKp4/pXJ3c8RH4P0/s400/P1260109.JPG" border="0" /></a> Not related to the French dinner, of course, I flew back to Las Vegas through Phoenix and took this picture of the mountains to the east of Phoenix. This looks like a beautiful area and I'd love to visit it.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SYI87k0k0tI/AAAAAAAAKqA/v6ofJSOEmv8/s1600-h/P1270110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296863105935266514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SYI87k0k0tI/AAAAAAAAKqA/v6ofJSOEmv8/s400/P1270110.JPG" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-19572976723475324132009-01-24T23:11:00.001-08:002009-01-31T09:36:02.402-08:00"It's hard to speak after seven wines"I flew into NC to spend a couple of days in the office. The great thing about going into the office is that it's a great excuse to catch up with my UNC friends. Stephanie offered to host me this weekend, and she went all out by inviting the crew to a blind wine tasting. Everyone brought a bottle of wine and covered it up - the goal was for us to guess the grape and origin of each wine. I enjoyed each wine, but I was horrible at identifying the wine's details. I missed every single grape (there were two zinfandels, which are my favorite, and I misidentified them), and I only got two origins (when in doubt, California is a safe guess). Of course, you can't expect much after one wine with dinner, seven wines to guess, and a port to finish it off!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXwT3_x5JII/AAAAAAAAKmc/IOUjHmjD9_M/s1600-h/P1240061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295129114615293058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXwT3_x5JII/AAAAAAAAKmc/IOUjHmjD9_M/s400/P1240061.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>The wine gang</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXwT4B_tAMI/AAAAAAAAKmk/hAL3KqYmoDU/s1600-h/P1240072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295129115210088642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXwT4B_tAMI/AAAAAAAAKmk/hAL3KqYmoDU/s400/P1240072.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kona enjoyed her squirrel while we were sampling wine<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXwT4c1ZfkI/AAAAAAAAKms/rXknt1ik1Po/s1600-h/P1240098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295129122414624322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXwT4c1ZfkI/AAAAAAAAKms/rXknt1ik1Po/s400/P1240098.JPG" border="0" /></a></div>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-67299379138235443952009-01-17T22:40:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:37:41.957-08:00Grand Staircase in Calico BasinIt's the middle of January and the temperatures are in the 60s. This is why I live in Las Vegas. The Meetup group scheduled a short hour and a half hike up <a href="http://www.meetup.com/VegasHikers/calendar/9506005/">Grand Staircase in Calico Basin</a> at 9:30am, which gave me enough time to hike before my golf lesson. It was warm enough for people to be in sleeveless shirts and shorts (though I'm still a wimpy Floridian and had on long sleeves and pants), and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.<br /><br />Some of the 44 people on the hike starting up.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLSWDQ1cEI/AAAAAAAAKZM/spdGUrmYfRQ/s1600-h/P1170007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292523788388626498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLSWDQ1cEI/AAAAAAAAKZM/spdGUrmYfRQ/s400/P1170007.JPG" border="0" /></a>There's still some snow on Bridge Mountain. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLSWa40WTI/AAAAAAAAKZU/1rsHMyZHxeo/s1600-h/P1170023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292523794730342706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLSWa40WTI/AAAAAAAAKZU/1rsHMyZHxeo/s400/P1170023.JPG" border="0" /></a> It was great hiking with Rick again after a several month break.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLSXOPgl4I/AAAAAAAAKZc/oWQLemTbLhA/s1600-h/P1170029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292523808515725186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLSXOPgl4I/AAAAAAAAKZc/oWQLemTbLhA/s400/P1170029.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXTGlpNjJ1I/AAAAAAAAKa8/fpR8v3h1vRg/s1600-h/Redrock%20-%2009.01.17%20-%2034%20-%20Calico.I.CB.MU.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293073812087318354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXTGlpNjJ1I/AAAAAAAAKa8/fpR8v3h1vRg/s400/Redrock%2520-%252009.01.17%2520-%252034%2520-%2520Calico.I.CB.MU.jpg" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-88865054593614131292009-01-03T23:08:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:38:32.532-08:00Stone Temple PilotsJen and I went to see Stone Temple Pilots in San Diego last summer, and the show was phenomenal. When I heard they were coming to the <a href="http://www.palmspearl.com/">Pearl</a> at the <a href="http://www.palms.com/">Palms</a>, I immediately bought two tickets to see them again. Leigh and I went together, and the show was again great (though the lighting wasn't as impressive as at the San Diego show). The Pearl is an intimate concert venue with great acoustics and no bad seat in the house. I managed to take some decent photos with my iPhone.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLYESpi7QI/AAAAAAAAKZ8/HbxzW2rG2z8/s1600-h/IMG_0306.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292530080350924034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLYESpi7QI/AAAAAAAAKZ8/HbxzW2rG2z8/s400/IMG_0306.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLY_mfHpfI/AAAAAAAAKaM/RsSM8GoW7yI/s1600-h/IMG_0320-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292531099288184306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLY_mfHpfI/AAAAAAAAKaM/RsSM8GoW7yI/s400/IMG_0320-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-6572840635314755882009-01-01T23:30:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:39:10.693-08:00Happy New Year!Brad and I enjoyed a quiet New Year's Eve at home with three pounds of Alaskan King Crab, the best rosé champagne I've ever tasted, and the dogs who were quite interested in the crab. We had enough left over to have a second round of crab and chamapgne on New Year's day. Quite a nice way to start 2009.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLa8Xq5HKI/AAAAAAAAKaU/EqxROeheCpo/s1600-h/IMG_0291.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292533242794679458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLa8Xq5HKI/AAAAAAAAKaU/EqxROeheCpo/s400/IMG_0291.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLa8fvv9pI/AAAAAAAAKac/wH7gJVW0f-4/s1600-h/IMG_0292.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292533244962535058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SXLa8fvv9pI/AAAAAAAAKac/wH7gJVW0f-4/s400/IMG_0292.jpg" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-61598961295262963432008-12-31T23:35:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:44:55.655-08:00Christmas in FloridaBrad and I fled the "cold" Nevada temperatures for warm sunny Florida for Christmas. We stayed with my family and enjoyed a quiet and relaxing vacation filled with good food, story telling, and laughter.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n_gfaa1iu6XZZxYkrBkccA?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHhBPfHBI/AAAAAAAAKWs/K5ZZNruLqH8/s400/PC250094.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qXro2Jv6-rIQtMkVpzZn9g?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHlgsDOLI/AAAAAAAAKX4/Tre1QPJ51yI/s400/PC280144.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p></p>We golfed at <a href="http://www.bardmoorgolf.com/?page=45488"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bardmoor</span></a> for 3 days. Brad got to try out his new wedges, and I got to use my new driver (how did I ever live without this club in my bag?). The course was extremely challenging, though it was hard to get too frustrated golfing in 70-degree weather in shorts on Christmas day. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Do5drxx6fssviVxXhRjCrw?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHdQRHwkI/AAAAAAAAKVs/Esj_c4CjkRk/s400/PC250069.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p></p>On Saturday night, we drove across the bay to Tampa to eat at <a href="http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/">Bern's Steakhouse</a>. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.sheratontampariverwalk.com/">Sheraton</a> downtown which overlooked the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hillsborough</span> river and the University of Tampa and its spires (which were unfortunately not lit up).<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NTrSBUqjXLr6qAf6Qmh7Iw?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHk0FkvrI/AAAAAAAAKXo/FL8OvpKkdh8/s400/PC270132.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p></p>Bern's is a legendary steakhouse in Tampa (Wine Spectator Grand Award winner for every year they've handed out the award). The inside looks like a bordello, but that adds to the history and character of the place. We split a delicious porterhouse that was cooked just perfectly. We also had an amazing Bordeaux at an unbeatable price. This restaurant is a gem if you can focus on the steak and wine and overlook the rest of the food (bland French onion soup, julienned carrots of a questionable fragrance, uncooked <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">soufflé</span>).<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g5E4YHMTbv5UzcSYQSITdQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHkXFoETI/AAAAAAAAKXg/NHnOTew9hkI/s400/PC270074.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p></p>Bern's is known for its extensive wine collection with 6,800 labels and 500,000 bottles (largest in the world?), and a tour through the wine cellar did not disappoint.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9WcHWqMdexzi2aRlT9Mtaw?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHjngsEzI/AAAAAAAAKXU/z_aissubGh0/s400/PC270072.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p></p>Only in Florida...<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lqLcmxliylNyxgPu5Ly01g?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHmrTvU-I/AAAAAAAAKYI/2a0z5BR9aic/s400/PC280148.JPG" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-72732489799948157202008-12-24T00:09:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:47:39.615-08:00Christmas LightsIn the spirit of the holidays, I requested that our game night group take a field trip to visit Christmas lights decorations. We started out at the <a href="http://www.accessclarkcounty.com/depts/parks/museum/pages/museum.aspx">Clark County Museum</a>, where the restored historical homes from the early 20th century were said to have Christmas decorations specific to the year of the house. We got there too late to go inside, but we were able to enjoy the houses from the outside in the snow. This picture looks like it was taken in the midwest rather than in Las Vegas.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/miYvlt_Xn88tjxuQ99CKlg?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHZX8qAgI/AAAAAAAAKUo/AdqcGLzurrk/s400/PC190011.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p></p>We had more luck at <a href="http://www.ethelschocolate.com/jump.jsp?itemID=118&itemType=CATEGORY">Ethel's Chocolates</a>, where their cactus garden is lit in Christmas lights throughout the holiday season.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p8IbBU7-QyXBKi-cXlwMSQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHafHn_vI/AAAAAAAAKU4/gfp9FAQkex0/s400/PC190017.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cztxoTAGqwyieLIj8KPF0A?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SVpHcuaJ-iI/AAAAAAAAKVc/NNBxxGixeoo/s400/PC190040.JPG" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-40424342892151511812008-12-16T13:22:00.000-08:002008-12-16T13:49:52.414-08:00Red Rock SnowI opened my blinds this morning to see that the sun had come out and all of the mountains were covered in snow. As soon as I had a free minute, I drove over to Red Rock. The views were simply stunning. I'm not sure if I've ever seen anything so beautiful. The sun was making the snow glow, and bits of red were peeking out of the rocks. It was quite crowded with people taking pictures everywhere. Here are some of my favorites, plus a video. More pictures <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/cdcunc/RedRockSnow121608#">here</a>.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KslIIeIimFFrSsKX-KUnXQ"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280181157466394594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 610px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUgbJ3qLFOI/AAAAAAAAKRo/RiaypqXccjE/s800/RedRockPano1.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280181161135913650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUgbQTFUv5I/AAAAAAAAKS8/7ZxfxF9_vEU/s400/PC160110.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zDFG7kxPxYWtW8m1Q0BQEg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280181161135913650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUgbMMtZRqI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/lY3JnQxJ1A4/s400/PC160071.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280181161135913650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUgbQwDI5uI/AAAAAAAAKTE/LWVzYw8JIWI/s400/PC160114.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7_DAB2Co2B9YxMnQNbC5UQ"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280181161135913650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUgbRUf4mzI/AAAAAAAAKTM/kL7Yfga2nIE/s400/PC160119.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WmWeeugnHQZxgkaa6x1wjA"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280181161135913650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUgbPEBCewI/AAAAAAAAKSs/b9MRQ3nFj5A/s400/PC160102.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HB_Kt528Rjw&hl=" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" fs="1"></embed> </div>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-35352405615196262512008-12-15T09:30:00.001-08:002008-12-15T16:42:50.174-08:00Snow in SummerlinToday we had a rare snowstorm in Las Vegas. The forecast was for 3 to 5 inches in the foothills, where I live. It started snowing at 8am and tapered off at about 4pm, with some heavy periods throughout the day. Although I prefer 70-degree weather and golf, I really do enjoy seeing snow once a year.<br /><br />My street with my house in the foreground<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUb4yYB-z-I/AAAAAAAAKQ0/auxX5RCkWBc/s1600-h/PC150037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280181157466394594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUb4yYB-z-I/AAAAAAAAKQ0/auxX5RCkWBc/s320/PC150037.JPG" border="0" /></a> Poor little palm tree<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUb4yls3OrI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/K2_wF7_e2jQ/s1600-h/PC150041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280181161135913650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SUb4yls3OrI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/K2_wF7_e2jQ/s320/PC150041.JPG" border="0" /></a> View from my bedroom window<br /><div align="center"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VuwQ7KKBjhQ&hl=" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" fs="1"></embed> </div>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-27856324083145031152008-12-10T00:18:00.000-08:002009-01-18T00:29:06.914-08:00UNC Friends Run the Las Vegas MarathonStephanie and Lesha (with John for support) came to town to run the <a href="http://www.lvmarathon.com/">Las Vegas Marathon</a>. Running a marathon is the last thing I'd ever want to do, but I was so proud of how hard these girls trained and the mental and physical challenges they overcame to not only finish all 26.2 miles, but to do it well-under their goal time.<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-4GP3EfQlwCjxD_ThRw0sg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/ST6wQ1ChR7I/AAAAAAAAIJk/0nQh4_Oazhc/s400/PC070008crop.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FgVhCegCQn5OjekEAGJH3w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/ST6wSHxRADI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/7OLXL2vPjgY/s400/PC070012.JPG" /></a></p>I was able to steal John for a day and take him golfing at <a href="http://www.sienagolfclub.com/">Siena</a>, where the weather was much too perfect for December.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/suJMjm0mm-SKx6B2GGihzQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/ST6wLTkc2lI/AAAAAAAAIII/i_7OcA1LuM4/s400/PC060009.JPG" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tCiT9BJVRDGS9G_aFG5SpA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/ST6wMPdN7aI/AAAAAAAAIIY/Sq7e3WAmK8w/s400/PC060011.JPG" /></a></p>We even found time to dress up and hit the town, seeing Cirque du Soleil's <a href="http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/ka-cirque-du-soleil-show.aspx">KÀ</a> and enjoying dinner at <a href="http://www.mgmgrand.com/dining/wolfgang-grill-bar-restaurant.aspx">Wolfgang Puck's</a> at the <a href="http://www.mgmgrand.com/">MGM Grand</a>.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jn0I4G6_87LWwQxv6GHduw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/ST6wKhTp03I/AAAAAAAAIHw/9ZlWm8JfA1w/s400/PC050001.JPG" /></a></p>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-40939432010814654692008-11-22T11:22:00.000-08:002008-11-22T11:43:55.839-08:00Wine Pairing DinnerMy group of friends here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Las</span> Vegas do a weekly dinner/game night. A different person hosts every week, and everyone brings a dish or wine. This week was Leigh's birthday, and her birthday wish was for us to do an actual wine pairing dinner, where each course was paired with an appropriate bottle of wine. It was my turn to host, the first time at my new place, and I was thrilled at the night's theme.<br /><br />The menu:<br />- Goat cheese Camembert and baked brie with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Pinot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Noir</span> (and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Petit</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sirah</span> while we waited for the next course)<br />- Grilled salmon on a bed of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sautéed</span> spinach and mushrooms with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Grenache</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Blanc</span><br />- Salad tossed with tomatoes, artichokes, avocados, and goat cheese topped with roasted duck with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Chateauneuf</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">du</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Pape</span><br />- Cider-glazed lamb chops served on mashed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">potatoes</span> with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Zin</span><br />- White chocolate cake (compliments of Sam) with an orange Muscat<br /><br />I had so much fun cooking, well, helping Brad in the kitchen. The food was delicious, which was Brad's doing, and the wines went perfectly with each dish. We never got around to playing a game because we were having such good conversation, and before we knew it, it was 1am. Leigh, Brian, and Sam turned it in to a sleepover, and in the morning Sam made a soothing cinnamon bread custard.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BDext04VGpihA81MOrQhjA"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984972923734114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SShY6UitCkI/AAAAAAAAIE8/nv9T5HPhs-Q/s400/PB210007.JPG" border="0" /></a>Brad discovered that the dogs love roasted duck:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Tvm_hBTbIY2L3MMVB40syg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984972923734114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SShY7FsI_GI/AAAAAAAAIFE/NF9CF_lAXKg/s400/PB210013.JPG" border="0" /></a>Bo was still hungry after her duck and was eyeing the lamb ribs:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xxS9DiyU-RByuRjpb8wptA"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984972923734114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SShY9Vvx8HI/AAAAAAAAIF0/isyp7DqHivs/s400/PB220027.JPG" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-74997870499044773102008-11-11T20:00:00.000-08:002009-01-18T01:11:37.863-08:00Athens, Part VIThey say that Athens can be done in a day or two, and that is the truth. By the fourth day in town, we had nearly run out of things to do. Lauren and I wanted to take a day trip to ruins on the coast, but we thought it wouldn't be wise to venture so far from town when we had an early flight the next morning. Instead, the RTI-HS group saw the Temple of Zeus and took the tram to the coastal town of Glyfada (not worth the trip).<br /><br />The Temple of Zeus with our hotel in the background<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8KWOBz1d92FUS-n69dLZhA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-HDj_efuI/AAAAAAAAH4A/_r5c-YfRfX4/s400/PB110088.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ET7NBijuvnBNUnPrJXtQFg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-HEDPMBxI/AAAAAAAAH4I/nQx8qwnnpl0/s400/PB110089.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2P1I8oqsxYsCNfeqGao-8w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-HEw7T0CI/AAAAAAAAH4Y/i71Mp6HxS4Y/s400/PB110096.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UKeENrzkIH6ffdmr6vXWFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-HF6ZMB-I/AAAAAAAAH4o/QKD0GM7IHrU/s400/PB110102.JPG" /></a></p>That night we all enjoyed one last meal in Athens at Stofi, which had the perfect view of the Acropolis<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_9mO8BHpSL_I3Xqu_ma-rg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-HJQOwXAI/AAAAAAAAH6A/w0nuDsjse90/s400/PB110138.JPG" /></a></p>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-39402629666957601852008-11-10T20:00:00.000-08:002009-01-18T01:05:05.899-08:00Athens, Part VAfter a late night, Lauren and I had a quiet Monday strolling through Athens, seeing the Olympic Stadium, the Presidential Palace, and the National Gardens.<br /><br />In front of the Olympic Stadium<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HjRIs8m8q1tixG4ROTqBvA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-G78JYgyI/AAAAAAAAH18/sNYVtnCOM8I/s400/PB100013.JPG" /></a></p>Guard at the Presidential Palace<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wuy0eo6oT2s_Sy2H2s7LkQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-G9rSZtyI/AAAAAAAAH2U/fbHIjlEC-bE/s400/PB100024.JPG" /></a></p>National Gardens<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2jlrrMCG8tYocPCrD9Uwcg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-HB8VeNxI/AAAAAAAAH3c/o5CxiE_zv-c/s400/PB100071.JPG" /></a></p>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-15129219762704268412008-11-09T20:00:00.000-08:002009-01-19T13:15:34.221-08:00Athens, Part IVSunday began with me sleeping through my alarm and nearly missing the short course I came to teach. Lauren and I made it on time, and the course was a hit, though we only got through half of the material. I do enjoy teaching when there is no grading involved.<br /><br />That afternoon, Brett and I walked up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Filopappos</span> Hill, which had the best view in the city.<br /><br />With the Parthenon and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lykavittos</span> Hill in the background<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8x96-Ae9i4-XJJkZQnq3Tg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GrhtDp2I/AAAAAAAAHyA/edJATd7S6wY/s400/PB090243.JPG" /></a></p>View looking west towards the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Saronic</span> Gulf<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QurUIgOl21e95aywKpG_RA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-Gn_Qg0iI/AAAAAAAAHxI/WOotKl7fvog/s400/PB090228.JPG" /></a></p>View of Athens looking northwest<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W-iuJlQyP9P9kteDDWcQgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GofK2IdI/AAAAAAAAHxQ/KGwRyd9zxWE/s400/PB090232.JPG" /></a></p>The Acropolis<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iAKJNSblmZNtL-saW1583Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GuRqyTfI/AAAAAAAAHyw/6DtJ2FmIHWM/s400/PB090269.JPG" /></a></p>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Saronic</span> Gulf<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7cF2ISZwYQtgodGlSaB7PQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-Gssp8sQI/AAAAAAAAHyY/DXgHn1_j2ys/s400/PB090259.JPG" /></a></p>Pathway coming down from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Filopappos</span> Hill<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e9Lyp1OPq3n4K6awAdfWjA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GyXEfOLI/AAAAAAAAHzk/W9Lz-1PVq20/s400/PB090289.JPG" /></a></p>That night Brett, Lauren, and I went to dinner with a client. Afterwards, we went dancing in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Anafiotika</span>.<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BxTqCN7pQwYJWrK1fad6fA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-G2JPjV_I/AAAAAAAAH0k/zNZpwknUX1o/s400/PB090012.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gl5-h8kPcW-fasv4ESxiiA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-G41wNedI/AAAAAAAAH1E/mDRZ8t2w7_I/s400/PB090042.JPG" /></a></p>On the way home, Lauren made friends with the sweetest dog in Athens.<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-5j-x4WCOKwixkPZMy0wHw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-G6JRBZqI/AAAAAAAAH1U/e8zaLYuVMrk/s400/PB090047.JPG" /></a></p>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-48107306196170046482008-11-08T20:00:00.000-08:002009-01-18T00:45:25.120-08:00Athens, Part IIIThe RTI-HS group walked up the Acropolis, around the Agora, and into the business district on our first full day in Athens. November is the off-season in Athens, so the crowds were "light," but if there are this many tourists crowding the Acropolis in the off-season, I can't imagine visiting in the summer.<br /><br />Arches at the base of the Acropolis<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sJU0nOD3wiRfnMbn2QZUGA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GHjcIV3I/AAAAAAAAHpE/tDMu7gpYUzg/s400/PB080010.JPG" /></a></p>Herodes Atticus Theatre at the Acropolis<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sxYaQ60X3zYj6CIi0R1IrQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GJGGHmHI/AAAAAAAAHpk/1EbNGku2BKY/s400/PB080018.JPG" /></a></p>With the Erechtheion in the background<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0-CZiydpv3ZcN28FJR97Gw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GLKE3zXI/AAAAAAAAHqc/5ePLsT31cck/s400/PB080042.JPG" /></a></p>The Caryatids on the Erechtheion (one of my dreams in life was to see these in person)<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J9iOHJRdhEcLtMTopf8zYA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GObxnl5I/AAAAAAAAHrM/W9LC9rGgZr4/s400/PB080060.JPG" /></a></p>Columns on the Erechtheion<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RXuD-mh-7AWngt38R4KHew?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GNsAyoHI/AAAAAAAAHrE/BDxErT62ll0/s400/PB080058.JPG" /></a></p>In front of the Parthenon<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z5egswx8-t4fjvHFIBSTzA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GTBs6_yI/AAAAAAAAHsU/PMah7V9XVGw/s400/PB080079.JPG" /></a></p>Columns on the Stoa of Attalos in the Agora (I have a thing for columns)<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X6URAmtVPRE3I0e3bfmg-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GfwiAEOI/AAAAAAAAHvY/8VNi_3vJKHk/s400/PB080175.JPG" /></a></p>After lunch, I met a client at the rooftop bar at the Hotel Grand Bretagne, which has a great view (here, the Olympic stadium)<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5q4-c0ZP_QHO7oGGgyABqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SR-GkcUzD5I/AAAAAAAAHwg/D4PeLpBI6ko/s400/PB080210.JPG" /></a></p>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-82303442664485628802008-11-07T13:12:00.000-08:002008-11-07T13:32:56.234-08:00Athens, Part IIAfter a nap this afternoon, the five <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RTI</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">HSers</span> staying at the Athens Gate hotel met up at the rooftop bar to decide on dinner. We walked to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Plaka</span>, which is right next to the hotel and has pedestrian streets lined with sidewalk cafes. We picked the restaurant with the largest menu, and we tried some different appetizers - stuffed cabbage, fried eggplant, olives, and octopus. I had a Greek salad and, for the main course, pork <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">souvlaki</span> with french fries. The pork did not impress me (it was rather dry, but I tend to find pork dry in general), but the appetizers were fantastic and I look forward to trying new ones at our next meal.<br /><br />View of the Temple of Zeus from my room at night:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q_Fro5D09lYfFSRi9FA8mA"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984965851389058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SRSsGYuDVUI/AAAAAAAAHeg/9Wdtjgzu9dw/s400/PB070073.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />View of the Acropolis from the hotel rooftop bar:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eClwZK0MMJRAYEMtqDArWA"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984972923734114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SRSsH-3aJ4I/AAAAAAAAHeo/GzZXbgMbxJM/s400/PB070075.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Hadrian's Arch leading to the Temple of Zeus:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iVp0SyQg4ILgCHMPLVqHfg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984972923734114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SRSsNJZmu3I/AAAAAAAAHfA/vDkOyiBOyNg/s400/PB070079.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Pedestrian street in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Plaka</span>, where we had dinner:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nceNkawKjjxnS79XVA1P4w"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984972923734114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SRSsKZGJWZI/AAAAAAAAHew/YwF3-5QhcWA/s400/PB070077.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There are stray dogs and cats everywhere. It is a good thing that my luggage is a tight fit, or I would be bringing some home!<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YGGRidcuf_3ysyDIMcRZeg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984972923734114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SRSsL9ch_mI/AAAAAAAAHe4/Dq8wt5-9534/s400/PB070078.JPG" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-18985570947135071192008-11-07T05:33:00.000-08:002008-11-07T13:34:16.552-08:00Athens, Part II am in Athens, Greece for five days to teach a workshop at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. I flew to RTP on Tuesday to spend Wednesday and half of Thursday in RTI's office visiting coworkers. On Thursday, Lauren and I flew out of RDU around 2:30pm with Keith from another group. Lauren and I were wise packers and fit all of our things into carry-on bags. But, we were one of the last to board the plane, and there was no more overhead room. The US Airways rep insisted that our gate-checked baggage had to be checked all the way through to Athens, which we protested because our connection in Munich was only 30 minutes and we were afraid that our luggage wouldn't make it to Athens at the same time as us (which could be a disaster because nearly all of our things were in these suitcases). Fortunately, Lauren had a calm mind and negotiated with the stewardess to let us pick them up in Charlotte.<br /><br />We had a short flight to Charlotte, where we met up with Sean from Keith's group. From Charlotte, we got on a huge Lufthansa plane to Munich. I have never flown this airline before, but I will definitely seek them out in the future. The flight attendants were extremely nice, and I felt like they were more like severs at an upscale restaurant. We had two good meals, and they came around with wine refills and cognac for after dinner. Each seat had a touch-screen TV in the headrest where you could select movies, TV shows, and music. I watched an episode of House. Then I turned on my iPod and fell asleep to my own music. I don't know how long I slept, but we were over Canada when I fell asleep, and we were over England when I woke up, so it was a majority of the flight.<br /><br />The flight to Munich was about 8 hours, and when we arrived we had a mad dash through customs, security, and to our gate. Right after we got through security, we heard them calling our names over the intercom saying that the flight was going to leave. So we started sprinting. Of course, because I'm the clumsiest person alive, I hit a wet spot on the floor and both feet flew out from under me and I landed on my butt in the middle of the airport. We all had a good laugh at my expense while we were boarding the flight. The flight from Munich to Athens was about 2 hours, and they even served us a light meal on that flight. The European airlines obviously haven't done away with all of the services like the US airlines.<br /><br />We arrived in Athens at about 1pm local time (10 hours ahead of the west coast) after over 15 hours of travel. Keith and Sean were happy that their luggage did make it through the quick connection in Munich. They waited at the airport for another colleague, while Lauren and I grabbed a cab to town. The cab ride was a long one, and we had to go straight through town and traffic. We were thrilled at the location of the hotel - it's right next to the Acropolis and overlooks the Temple of Zeus. An amazing view! The room is simple but very comfortable, though the fact that the internet connection is per minute rather than a flat 24-hour rate is going to make working a little challenging. Oh well, I guess that's a good excuse to go sightseeing!<br /><br />View of the Alps from the plane:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yzfqq5590tGuVKPafIeO1g"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984965851389058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SRRCw9_GnvI/AAAAAAAAHds/HKqJY877UnM/s400/PB070062.JPG" border="0" /></a> View of the Temple of Zeus from the hotel room:<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yPtn0gbVIObkYk2vIbhvqg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984972923734114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SRRGASknPII/AAAAAAAAHeA/56hlMLfdtms/s400/PB070068.JPG" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8656647059275145954.post-11390918648946630722008-10-19T14:46:00.000-07:002008-10-19T14:50:43.790-07:00WeddingLast night, Brad and I went to a wedding at Dragon Ridge in Henderson. The weather was perfect, and the venue had a great view of the city.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SPuq9pCxHII/AAAAAAAAHRs/dtmzN3gfKNY/s1600-h/PA180052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984965851389058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SPuq9pCxHII/AAAAAAAAHRs/dtmzN3gfKNY/s320/PA180052.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SPuq-DY8iGI/AAAAAAAAHR0/UNE3WM2zvb8/s1600-h/PA180054v2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258984972923734114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_94Nu-xY6YgY/SPuq-DY8iGI/AAAAAAAAHR0/UNE3WM2zvb8/s320/PA180054v2.jpg" border="0" /></a>...http://www.blogger.com/profile/01825608474218476235noreply@blogger.com1