A Warm Welcome in Kansas

Welcome to Olathe, Kansas!
That is just what I received from the wonderful family that Aunt Bea has raised. We reminisced, looked at old photos, and ate Kansas style barbecue. Julie and I walked at lake Wyandotte with the dogs, and Bill and I did the same at Hillsdale lake, so Ripley had a fun time too. Also took in a Royals game with Bill and Nancy. Unfortunately, the Royals lost 8-1 and my catcher John Buck went 0 for 4.

Everybody gathered at Julie's house for barbecue. Mike served up a hearty selection that I sampled generously. There wasn't even room for cake. Let's see if I have everyone's name down - from L-R - Alexis, Aunt Bea, Julie, Shelby, yours truly, Ryan, Dylan, Becky, Brian, Brooklyn, and in the back row Mike and Bill. On the floor - Leah, Jesse and Ripley.We discussed, cousins, second cousins, removed cousins, and the possibility of cousin-in-laws. These are my real cousins, Julie and Bill.

And these fine youngsters were a ton of fun. Becky just added a boy named Dylan to the family and Ryan and Brooklyn are pretty happy about it. Here I am with my third cousins.

Becky is a very happy mommy; here with the boys.

I missed Alex and Matthew who were away studying and fishing, respectively.

More pictures to come because I haven't left yet! It is Thursday and we are going to have lunch with Aunt Ginny and Uncle Lloyd. Then tonight Sharon arrives, YIPPEE!!!

Eastern Slope of the Rockies

Ripley and I had a great time hiking at Curt Gowdy State Park. The mountain bike trails were well marked and offered all the best views. Rip felt very much at home on the trail.We took the trail called "Sammie's Slide"And we spotted some of the first wildflowers to bloom. Along with odd animal tracks that could only be the work of a wild turkey.

I'll spare you the pictures of deer parts that were scattered throughout the trail. There was something out the snacking on some pretty healthy looking deer.
This one had her eye on Ipi.

Then on Friday mom celebrated her 91st birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

And I arrived in Denver to take in a Dodger game at Coors field. Johnny V. joined me for a great game. After what looked like a slug-fest in the first, it settled into a very competitive contest. We scalped great seats right on the Dodger dugout where you could hear the smack of the ball in the catchers glove as if it were your own.

My man Man-Ram was so close, but no hope for an autograph on my ball.

He was somewhat disappointed with the K.

But after several changes in the lead, my closer JB was brought in to finish them off.

Yes, that was a blurry picture, but that is what happens when you throw 100MPH!
It was a great game. You can ask the triceratops if you don't believe me.

Next stop, KC.

Underway

Okay, let me start with the handsome ones...

Rip & Ru enjoyed a desert hike near Coyote Mountain.

Henry is looking for Easter Eggs.

While Sam & I look for bugs...It was real boy-fun.
One happy family... :)
Then opening day came to pass and friends gathered at Petco Park.
Those Padres are tough../. I want to own one or two.

...

The Dodgers beat the Giants similarly,

...

And the Giants beat the Snakes.

More goofy fans.

On the drive through Wyoming, there was a wind farm under construction.

This is pre-stimulus investment.

Wind is the proven cost effective sustainable energy resource that we should use more of now.

Curt Gowdy SP in Wyoming is camp for tonight. A great spot at 7,500 feet elevation.

Ipi loves it here!

Awesome hiking tomorrow!

Happy 50th Joy!!!

Woo Hoo!
I just passed the LEED AP exam for New Construction.
Thanks to all who helped me prepare!
Rob Oswalt, LEED AP