Europe 2022 day #2 “You Did What?”  Milán 10/7/2022

by reissmd, posted in Italy, Milan, Uncategorized

Today was supposed to be a leisurely day but thanks to my friend, Michael, it wasn’t.  When I told him we were going to Milan he said you’ll love Lake Como.  When I told him we weren’t going there he was horrified.  So Lake Como was added and we are glad it was. Due to oversleeping this morning, our exit was a bit harried but mission accomplished.  We made it to the lake, had a lovely lunch and a brief tour that was long enough to convince us we have to come back.  If it’s good enough for George Clooney, it’s good enough for me. Then it was back to the city. 

The view of Lake Como from our table at Gatto Nero.
Patrice’s pasta from Gatto Nero and her phone.
My veal from Gatto Nero without my phone.

After the lake we returned to Milan for the main reason I wanted to come to this city, Leonardo DaVinci’s “The Last Supper”.   I’ve been told that Milan is a city of people who live to work as opposed to Rome where people work to live.  So other than the masterpiece, what I had been told about the city didn’t have much appeal to me.  But the Last Supper was always something I have wanted to see. Since it’s a mural I had to go to it because it wasn’t coming to me.  It too didn’t disappoint.  I’m not a religious person but seeing the painting that I’ve seen numerous times in books, television, and even recreated on stage (at the Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters) was a surreal moment. Painted from 1495-1498 it is 181 x 346 inches of awe-inspiring beauty.  Simply put, I’m so glad we came.  

The Last Supper by Leonardo DaVinci. Need I say more?

Patrice had to drag me away from the painting because her highlight of the trip was on the agenda for the night (actually you are only allowed to stay for 15 minutes in the viewing room).  After leaving the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie (home of “The Last Supper”) we headed to the historic theater, La Scala. Teatro alla Scala (its real name) was completed in 1778 taking 2 years to construct. The inside is incredibly impressive with an orchestral seating area surrounded by numerous booths.

La Scala.

If you would like to see a video of the seating area check out this short video: https://youtube.com/shorts/0QmJwkTvBuE

At this incredible venue, we heard pieces by Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky.  The theater was magnificent and the acoustics were beyond description.  I’d like to tell you about the conductor’s witty comments but he said NOTHING. Not that I would have understood anything since I don’t speak Italian but as I said, he didn’t say a word.  

I need to call it quits for now because we are scheduled to leave at 7 am tomorrow morning (What sadist planned this trip?). Breakfast starts at 7 am so I talked to the front desk about getting something to eat before we leave. He looked at me and said, “We will take care of you, this is Italy”. He left me with a smile.  I hope I did the same for you.  

Ciao

Europe 2022 Day #1 What did I forget? 10/6/2022 Milan, Italy

by reissmd, posted in Italy, Milan

Today we headed to LAX to begin one of our Covid makeup trips.  Yes, Covid has canceled the travel plans for many people including us.  I’m just glad we are still above ground and able to travel.  

This morning we each got a great workout trying to close our overstuffed suitcases.  Of course, as soon as we did that we each started asking, “What did I forget?”   Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to buy into the recommendation, “Don’t worry, if you forgot something you can buy it at your destination”.  Very good advice but as people who know and love me will attest, I much prefer to obsess. 

The flight from LA to London was great.  I got to watch a few movies.  I saw “Elvis” (Good, not great), “The Last Bus” (A real tear-jerker), and “The Duke” (Blah tale, based on a true story of the theft of a museum art treasure in London).  Much more impressive than the movies, was the bathroom on board the plane.  It was huge unlike what I’m used to seeing on airplanes.  Typically it’s difficult to take a deep breath in most airline bathrooms. This one was roomy enough to accommodate two people which gave me an idea.  I went back to our seats and asked Patrice if she wanted to join the “Mile High Club”.  She immediately took a quick look behind as if she thought I might be talking to someone else.  She then replied “First of all, we are about 5 miles up, and if you wanted to join the Mile High club you should have thought about that in Denver where you seemed more interested in baseball and visiting breweries!”    Hmmm. 

Our first stop on our current journey was Milan,  Just prior to arrival we got a view of the Alps from the plane. 

Nice but seeing Mt. Denali (the former Mt. Whitney) was much more impressive.

After arriving at the hotel we were greeted by our wonderful guide, Valentina for a 3-hour WALKING tour.  We had hardly slept at all so why did I plan on a walking tour shortly after arrival?  It was fun and informative and we are looking forward to some sleep tonight and more fun tomorrow. 

I am exhausted and need to go to bed but I can’t disappoint my followers who are always asking about food.  We had a wonderful meal at Bice Milano which is very close to our hotel (Via Borgospesso, 12, 20121 Milano MI).  Patrice had the branzino (aka European bass) and I had the veal (aka baby cows).  Both were excellent.  Even better than the meal was the delightful conversation we had with the two women sitting next to us.  Francisca and Michele are from Switzerland and I convinced them to subscribe to my blog. That means that I just need 999,698 more followers to make this a money-making enterprise

The Branzino was excellent.
My baby cows tasted much better than this picture looked.
From left to right, Patrice, Michele, Me, Fransisca.

Ciao

Denver: Mile High on Baseball Day #4. A Little Beer and Home Sweet Home?

by reissmd, posted in Denver, Uncategorized

Yesterday was our final day of touring and after breakfast, we headed to Golden, Colorado for the Coors Brewery tour. We arrived early and heard a lot about the town so decided to do some exploring first. Patrice saw a sign showing us the directions to Lookout Mountain. She was excited about the opportunity to see the area from up high but what got my blood boiling was the sign indicating that nearby was the final resting place of Buffalo Bill Cody. How could I miss out on the opportunity to pay my respects to an American legend? (See below)

Final resting place of Buffalo Bill and his wife, Louisa.

After paying our respects it was off to the brewery tour. It was very interesting and full of all sorts of fun facts. They also gave us the choice of 3 beers during the tour. Luckily I only took a sip of each, otherwise, Patrice would have needed to call paramedics to come to get me. It seems as if I am not the only one who can’t handle his beer. Check out this sign that needs to be posted at the brewery. (See below)

After the tour, we had a wonderful lunch/dinner in Golden at a restaurant called Indulge [1299 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401]. The food and service were excellent. Sorry, no pictures.

We then headed back to Denver for more exploring and some leisure time. During our adventure, I did see some interesting sights.

This was at the airport. To my surprise, Denver averages 53 tornados per year.
Except for Patrice, I saw maybe 2 or 3 people wearing a mask. But please stay 6 feet apart!
I thought this was a good take-home message.

The one message I didn’t like seeing was that our flight was delayed. We took the 7:40 AM flight because it was non-stop and the least likely to be affected by the various problems that can cause a flight cancellation. It seems I might have been wrong. Patrice told me a friend of hers was heading from LA to Denver and her morning flight has been canceled. Let’s hope the next time I surface I will be in LA.

Denver: Mile High on Baseball Day #3, Yes, We Really Did Come Here For Baseball

by reissmd, posted in Denver

Last night we went to the Giants vs Rockies game as promised.  I got a real bonus for our money since the game went extra innings (Patrice did not think of this as a bonus).  The Giants entered the 9th inning down by one run when the Rockies’ closer entered in quite dramatic fashion.  The stadium lights flashed on and off and a video of the pitcher was projected on the stadium Jumbotron.  I assumed the light show represented “Lights Out” for the Giants.  Apparently, the Giants didn’t understand the message as they tied the game and came within inches of going ahead.  Unfortunately, this only extended their agony as they went on to lose in the 10th.  

Coors Field was beautiful and very much like many of the other MLB stadiums we have visited.  The staff was very nice in helping us pass through security (bombers disguised as grandparents are definitely a high-security risk) and enter the stadium using electronic tickets (I am sure I will get used to that at some point).  Patrice found the concessionaires extremely friendly.  She went on a walk to explore the stadium and found someone selling kettle corn.  She knows how much I like the stuff so she decided to buy some.  Unfortunately, they were out of kettle corn but did have one remaining bag of regular popcorn.  Patrice opted to get it but the vendor said that his location was the only place in the stadium that didn’t accept Apple Pay.  She then said she would pay cash but was informed that Coors Field is a cashless stadium. The vendor called over his supervisor to see how they could resolve the dilemma, and they did.  They looked at that gorgeous face and said “Here, just take it.”  

Upon leaving the stadium we saw a few interesting things.  First was a guy advertising a local bank (See below).   

After that, we saw a guy who, unlike so many men, was very honest about his motivations.  (See below)

For breakfast today we thought it would be great to explore the city for a unique cafe.  Unfortunately, I was much too lazy and we just went downstairs to Elway’s in the hotel.  This time we sat by the bar and did see some Elway memorabilia that we missed at dinner our first night  (See below). 

Classic pictures of the Bronco hero, only visible from the bar and not the restaurant.

For breakfast, we had to have a Denver omelette, no?  NO, I had the Eggs Benedict and Patrice had something called Dutch Baby.  (See below)

Eggs Benedict with Salmon, yum.
Dutch Baby. Their answer to French Toast.

That’s all for now. I will tell you about our tour of the Coors Brewery today and other things in tomorrow’s post. We have an early flight and lots of things to do. I look forward to seeing your comments.

Denver: Mile High on Baseball Day #2. Want some food?

by reissmd, posted in Denver, Uncategorized

Yesterday I mentioned eating at Elway’s in the hotel but I didn’t tell you that we scored a “touchdown” and I am so glad we didn’t “pass” it over (ugh, I hate puns, why did I do that?). 

I was not excited about going to Elway’s thinking that it would be decorated with all sorts of football regalia and the meals would have silly football-themed names and would be mediocre.

I could not have been more off-base (oops, wrong sport).  The service and food were spectacular.  We ordered too much food and thank goodness we had the common sense to not eat all of it.

Wedge Salad was perfect
Brussels Sprouts were very good but we had to leave something unfinished.
I had the halibut.
Patrice had the salmon (it was better than it looked)
We shared (aka fought over) the Lobster Mac and Cheese

This morning we were feeling guilty and had to head to the gym.  I was very pleased to see that they have the same treadmills as the type I use back home.  So I got on the treadmill and entered my usual settings.  Moments after getting started I became breathless.  My brain forgot that we were now at altitude but my body remembered very quickly.  I did a brief workout.  Nothing compared to what I usually do at home but at least enough to assuage my guilt (well, just a little). 

With my guilt buried, what should we do next?  Readers of this blog can probably guess.  Oh yes, A FOOD TOUR.

Today we went on a wonderful food tour led by our guide Rob from Delicious Denver Food Tour [https://www.deliciousdenverfoodtours.com/]. Patrice and I have been on a lot of food tours and I must say if this wasn’t the best it was a close second (Lance’s Memphis BBQ tour when we were the only guests might still be our all-time favorite).  

Rob was an amazing guide.  In addition to supplying us with great food, he had a wealth of information and never hesitated during his oration.  I didn’t hear one “you know” the whole tour. 

Rob took us to:

  1. Marco’s Coal Fired [2129 Larimer St] where we had excellent Margherita Pizza.
  2. Lazo’s Empanadas [1319 22nd Street]. Excellent empanadas.
  3. Biker Jim’s [2148 Larimer Street]. Excellent elk and wild boar hot dogs (yes elk and wild boar)
  4. Kachina [1890 Wazee Street]. Fry Bread Tacos.  This was not my favorite but I was getting close to being stuffed by the time we reached this place.
  5. Ice Cream at Union Station.  There is always room for ice cream and how can it be bad?   

We are going back to the room for a while to chill, then it is off to Coor’s Field for baseball.  

Denver: Mile High on Baseball Day #1

by reissmd, posted in Denver

In our continued quest to attend baseball games in all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums, we are traveling to Denver this weekend.  

When planning the trip, I searched for hotels while sitting with my friend, Michael.  I found a Courtyard near Coors Field which is the home of the Colorado Rockies. There is also a Ritz Carlton located about the same distance from the stadium but at twice the price. I told Michael about the difference in cost and he looked at me and said. “Do you want to take all your money to the grave?”   So here Patrice and I are at the Ritz Carlton in Denver and it is GORGEOUS.  Definitely not worth the extra money but as Michael put it, “David, Lindsay, and Erica (our 3 children) are treating” (with their portions of our inheritance). 

For dinner tonight we decided to eat at the hotel restaurant which for obvious reasons they call, “Elway’s”.  If the reason for the name is not obvious to you it is because you are not a football fan.  John Elway was and still is a Denver legend.  He played quarterback for the Denver Broncos for 16 seasons and led them to 5 Super Bowls, winning twice.  He was the first player chosen in the 1983 NFL draft.

My good friend Gary got to meet Elway many years ago at a Super Bowl.  Gary had the good fortune to be on the field before the game and was introduced to the Bronco hero.  Gary asked him, “So what position do you play?”.  When Elway realized that Gary was not joking he gave him a hug and said, “I love this guy”.  Needless to say, Gary is not a sports fan.  Typically when he is asked who will win the big game his immediate reply is “Who’s playing?”.    Well, the answer to that question for this trip is the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants.  

After tomorrow we will have been to 18 stadiums with just 12 to go.  Patrice asked me if I wanted to go to another game this year.  Late September would be a possibility but I wouldn’t want to risk getting a covid infection and jeopardizing our October trip to Spain when we will visit our youngest child, Erica. Patrice being the supportive partner that she is, said “Maybe we could go in November?”  Yes, Patrice is a great person but obviously not a baseball fan.  Gary, I’ll explain to you later why I am saying this. 

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #3 “Getaway Day…… Maybe” June 6, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Kansas City

Our plane leaves tonight which leaves us time for ………..MORE BBQ. 

Today we had lunch at Q39 which gets its name because they specialize in BBQ and they are located on 39th street. [1000 W. 39th Street; Kansas City, MO 64111] The place was recommended by my friend Jeremiah with the Astros.   Judging by the quality of the food I have to say that Jeremiah must enjoy the team’s trips to KC. They don’t serve our favorite (baby back ribs) but their spare ribs left us with nothing to complain about.  

Prior to heading to the airport, we made a short stop at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library.  We had previously been to 8 presidential libraries [JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and George W. Bush] and this one didn’t disappoint.  They had some great videos making me feel like I am not as much of history-phile as I thought.  It was quite hot when we arrived at the library but luckily we were able to hydrate while at the library. Please check out the photos on arrival and departure.

Dehydrated upon arrival at the library.
After a little hydration, we look and feel better.

I am sure you realize that was just a little playful fun.  The photos were complements of Nick Nikkah in KC.  We met Nick and his incredible store that makes figurines using a 3D printer and the same technology that he used to make those photos that I inserted in front of the library.  In addition to being a nice guy, he also has an amazing shop.  Check it out at:

3DHQ (3D Headquarters) 

www.3dheadquarter.com 

Www.Facebook.Com/3dhqkc 

Instagram @3dhq.kc

Then it was on to Kansas City International to board our flight to LAX via Phoenix.  Upon arrival, we were informed that our flight was delayed and we would not make the connection to LA meaning we would have to spend the night in Phoenix.  Is this a joke?  Is this really happening?  As you know, I married up and Patrice suggested we try to get a different airline.  The check-in agent looked up United and Delta without success.  I pulled out my phone and found a flight from PHX to LAX on Southwest.  American doesn’t have an agreement with Southwest so if we don’t get to PHX in time, we are out of luck. I hope this works but I am mentally ready to spend the night in Phoenix. 

One last tidbit, I was stopped at TSA because I forgot I had a small bottle of water in my backpack.  The TSA agent couldn’t deal with my bag because he was intensely reviewing another traveler’s backpack.  He was removing everything and finding NOTHING.  I finally asked another agent if she could just remove the water bottle and give me my bag.  She helped me out and I said I was very thirsty and could I just drink the water in front of her.  No sir, you will have to go outside and go through TSA again.   So read carefully friends.  A doctor, with 3 wonderful children, 4 wonderful grandsons, and a family with an impeccable record of service to others is stopped from drinking some bottled water beyond the TSA monitors.  Do you feel safe now?

Hopefully, you will next hear from me in Los Angeles.  Don’t bet on it. 

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #3 “Play Ball!” June 5, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Kansas City

If my papa was still living, today would have been his 108th birthday.  He died back in 1989 at the age of 75 and I am convinced that he died because he hated baseball and couldn’t bear the thought of watching another game.  I, on the other hand, love baseball.  As a kid, I used to listen to the Dodger games and calculate batting averages per at-bat. I still remember listening to Vince Scully describe the action in 1960 when Norm Larker was battling Dick Groat for the NL batting title.  If you have heard of Norm Larker I would be shocked.  Larker had modest success in MLB but one thing of note is that he was the Houston Colt 45’s first 1st baseman.  The Colt 45’s became the Astros and they are part of the reason that we are in KC.  We saw the Astros play the Royals today thanks to the kindness of my friend and REISSTRAVELBLOG follower Jeremiah who works with the team.  

But before baseball, there is always time to eat. We are staying at the The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection (at the recommendation of Jeremiah).  This is a lovely Marriott with a storied history and we could not be happier with the accommodations,  The place is old but our room is spacious and the staff has been doting on us since arrival.  This morning we had breakfast at the hotel (which was included in our stay) and it was superb.  I had the Norwegian Benedict and Patrice had the French Toast. Both selections were excellent and the service was also A-1. 

Norwegian Eggs Benedict
French Toast

After a brief rest, we were off to see the Astros vs the Royals.  For some reason, Google took us on some small roads instead of the freeway.   There was very little traffic and the countryside was gorgeous.  We were fortunate there were few cars because at one point we saw a sign that said single-lane highway ahead.  And indeed the two lanes of traffic became one.  Lucky for us no one was coming in the other direction.

One Lane Ahead
They weren’t kidding. Sorry about the focus, I wanted to get out of there ASAP!

We arrived safely at Kauffman Stadium (named after the now deceased owner of the Royals) which I was told is the only stadium in the MLB that is named after an individual.  Are you telling me that Oracle, Petco, Citi, and Safeco are not people?  I was just informed that Seattle no longer calls their stadium Safeco.  I guess Safeco got married and changed her name to T-Mobile. 

Kauffman Stadium and the staff were great.  We were politely directed where to go and even got a ride on a golf cart from the parking area to the stadium office where we were to pick up our tickets (no mistaking this place for Dodger Stadium).  I had to show my ID to get the tickets (are you telling me that my blog has not made my face a household icon in Kansas City?).   We then proceeded to the gate. After handing my ticket to the young lady I lamented that my pockets were full of junk and she escorted us past the security monitors saying, “You are a friend of the players, you can go right in”.  Wow, I don’t get treated that well at my own office. 

The game was great.  Astro slugger, Yordan (that has been difficult to type because my computer keeps on changing it to Jordan) Alvarez had a single, triple, and a home run, leading the Astros to victory.  I was hoping he would get one more at-bat and get a double to hit for the cycle.  He did come up but unfortunately, he got hit by the pitch.  That pitch would have killed me but he didn’t seem to notice it.  Jeremiah confirmed that Alvarez was fine but they did have to check the ball for damages.  It was a great game and I really loved it. Patrice loved it too.

Patrice enjoying baseball by reading her book.

After the game, we of course had to have dinner.  Hmmm, how about some barbecue?  We dined at Gates Bar-B-Q [1325 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64110].  It was good but did not compare to Jack Stack from last night.  

Gate’s ribs. Good, not great. The beans (not shown) were very good.
Burnt Ends sandwich which was recommended by another customer in line. It was very good. As were the peach pie and yam pie (not shown).

All this eating is really wearing me out.  I need to rest.  See you tomorrow.

Hey, Patrice, want to go get some ice cream?

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #2 “We Just Love BBQ!” June 4, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Dallas, Kansas City

Our plans were to have had KC BBQ Friday night for dinner, Saturday for lunch, and again for dinner.  Instead, we spent Friday night and Saturday lunch in Dallas and the only BBQ we had seen was at the American Airlines lounge at LAX (and it looked disgusting).

Our detour to Dallas was not all bad.  You know what they say: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  Well lucky for us one of our daughter-in-law’s brothers, Marc, lives in Dallas and he is a loyal follower of the blog.  Marc reached out to us and offered to meet us at the hotel to spend some quality time.  Marc was a part of our family when he lived in Los Angeles and it is always great to see him [Patrice here: That means he laughs at Robert’s jokes].  We had a nice chat about the family and the pros and cons of the DFW airport. Let me rephrase that, we talked about the cons of the DFW airport.  

Patrice is in the middle. Marc (known as Uncle Marc) is on the right. The really handsome guy is me.

After leaving Marc, we headed to the terminal and my astute wife saw there was a plane leaving for KC an hour earlier than our scheduled flight. Patrice got our flight changed but we had to sit separately, 7 rows apart.   I know this is hard to believe but after 40 years together it’s tough for Patrice and me to be separated for even an hour on our trips. [Patrice here:  Getting some alone time for even just an hour?  There is a God!]

Remember our reasons for this trip were baseball and BBQ.  So far the closest I’ve come to any quality BBQ has been to write about it.  On arrival in KC, we were greeted by rain.  What did I do to deserve this?

After a quick drive to the hotel, we set out for Jack Stack BBQ [4747 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64112].  The place was near the hotel so we decided to walk there since the rain had stopped.  This was chancy because the rain could return and because I sometimes need a gurney after eating BBQ.  

Jack Stack BBQ did not disappoint us at all.  Patrice had pulled pork mac and cheese.  

Patrice’s pulled pork with mac and cheese.

I had a half rack of baby back ribs. 

My Baby Back ribs with fries, and cream corn bake.

Wait I was supposed to get 6 ribs and I just see 5. 

I knew that woman couldn’t be trusted when it comes to BBQ baby back ribs.

Hmmm, I need to keep my eye on that woman. 

That’s enough BBQ for tonight.  Tomorrow we have some baseball. 

Baseball, BBQ, and Blog Day #1 “DFW Airport……UGH!” June 3, 2022

by reissmd, posted in Dallas, Kansas City

After a long absence trying to survive a pandemic, we are finally feeling comfortable enough to step outside of our house. If you believe public health officials (and I do) and we are not careful, we might be in for more trouble very soon. With that in mind, Patrice and I have set out on a trip. What could be more appropriate than a trip devoted to Baseball, BBQ, and Blogging? 

As loyal readers of this blog, you are aware, Patrice and I are certified “Memphis in May” BBQ judges.   My mouth is watering just thinking of the days we have spent judging.  During our time judging, we heard many people talk about the Kansas City BBQ Society as being the only true competitor to Memphis as the king of BBQ (Texas people please settle down, you’ll get your turn).  

In addition to our search for the supreme BBQ experience, we are also attempting to visit every Major League Baseball stadium. On this trip, we will be able to add one more, Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals.  

Our flight on day 1 already produced some excitement.  Our flight took us through Dallas on our voyage to KC. Upon check-in, we were told our flight from LA was delayed an hour which would leave us only 20 minutes to catch our next flight. Worrier Robert already started to obsess but we soon learned that the second leg of our trip was also delayed so we knew we’d be okay. 

Our flight from LAX started out uneventful except we did have a flight attendant of note.  Do you have a vision of a curvaceous young thing with a beautiful smile?  Well, enjoy yourself but that’s not what I’m about to describe.  Our flight attendant was Dave and he had to be close to 70 years old.  I watched him move the food cart up and down the aisle at a snail’s pace.  He would offer travelers some pretzels and then get their drink orders.  I thought we would be in Dallas by the time he got to us and we were sitting in the 9th row. When he offered Patrice a blue bag of pretzels she asked if he had anything else.  Dave lumbered back to the cart and on his return, he said “I can offer you a red bag of pretzels?”.  I chuckled and then he asked for my order. I asked for club soda.  Dave said he had Canada Dry Club Soda.  Personally, I can’t tell one club soda from another so I gladly agreed to his suggestion.  Dave returned, handed me a glass and the can of soda, and cheerfully said, “I shook the can real good so it should be very fresh”.   I had found my clone.

We received an announcement from the pilot telling us due to weather we were in a holding pattern for 45 minutes (note to self: avoid DFW in the future). So I used this delay as an opportunity to talk some more to my new friend.  It turns out this is a second career for Dave. He previously worked as an attorney and was credentialed to present a case to the US Supreme Court. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a chance to present the case because it was sent back down to the lower court (where the case was decided in his favor).  It was time to get back to my seat and let Dave do his job.  Before I left a woman approached Dave and said “I have a question”.  Dave quickly answered before she could speak another word and he said “Should you kiss on the first date?  Definitely!”   You gotta love this guy.  What else can I say except I was wrong, he isn’t almost 70, he is 80. 

Enough fun on the plane.  We finally arrived at DFW to find out our flight to KC was canceled and we get to spend the night in Dallas.  Our luggage is spending the night somewhere at the airport.  They offered to find it but would only promise that the bags would arrive sometime between 4 and 8 hours.   We will rough it with what we have. 

Please see me and my new pal, Dave.