Throw Down in the Big D - CST

(CAVEAT: There are some problems with Blogger so not all of the preferred images are loading.)

Last weekend was the big trip to DallAss for the big corporate shin-dig and associated events.

Much food. Much liquor. Here's the results:

Night 1 was spent with some cut-rate fajitas, the Mavs and Nuggets (we weren't quite last row but we were fairly close to the Chili's flying blimp) and some favorably priced Stoli/Red Bulls at Ghostbar.

Day 2 was filled with some mozzarella stuffed chipotle cow, some cow in different form at our host's corporate HQ and some drinks. Did I mention drinks. For better or for worse there is no footage of this evening. You'll have to use your imagination or just follow the easy steps just mentioned to recreate it yourselves!

Saturday was a lazy day but we did manage to make it to the Dallas Aquarium which, at first blush, appears a little janky. However, as you continue on it becomes apparent that it is, in fact, a glorious bamboo labyrinth filled with fish, other aquatic creatures and...Jaguars???

Finally it was time for the big show...and a big show it was. The joint was PACKED. You had to play musical tables if you wanted to sit and eat. There were bars and food everywhere and people to match. A good time had by all. Although I do have to question the Quiet Dining section.

Nothing Says December in FLA like ... - EST

...a weekend at the beach.



While I understand that many regions of the country are under the oppressive thumb of winter cold, we did our part this weekend by maintaining a decent tan.

Little did I know...the pleasures of the beach would come with a price - country music. This is as far a I could go in preparation for the evening's festivities.

I think some of these folks may have been in attendance as well:

And since it was hot outside we made sure to keep our insides cool and refreshed.



Of course, we had to feed as well. Nothing but Daytona's finest after the dayglow smurf drinks:



Alas, Sunday came and it was time to say goodbye to the beach and head back...for now.

Hammer Down - Day 2 - PST

After yesterday's marathon 825+ mile excursion we eased off the throttle a bit today...starting with breakfast.


You really can't expect to go too fast when you have this goodness weighing you down. Nutritious and Delicious.

Naturally we had to follow that up with some 'fresh, never frozen' burger delights. Animal style - natch.

After a couple of long days, Marshall was taken out for some walk(s). Ok, actually the walks were for us to attempt to burn off dinner and the Chocolate Dome.

Hammer Down - Day 1 - MST>PST

We started the great journey at the ass crack of dawn when it was a balmy 6 outside.



At least we had the neighborhood deer to clear the road for us at the start of our 13 hour X-country trek.




A gourmet on-the-road lunch in a fine setting.






Finally entering Utah.






A roadside treat: illiterate scrawlings on the bathroom wall.







You never know WHO you'll run into at the SLC Chevron station! Great seeing you Bella!





Our big reward at the end of the long...long...day - and yes, we came out ahead!

White Friday - MST

We ventured out into the unknown to face Black Friday ... only to have it turn into a White Friday. Nothing extreme - just a cold, sunless day with some sprinkles.

Of course, before we head into the wilderness to cut the Christmas tree we need our strength from a hearty English breakfast/lunch.

Then it was off into the forest to procure this year's tree(s).

I'm going in...

Some shots with our 'kill'

Thanksgiving - MST

It's a bit colder here than FLA

We had some guests over for lunch. I wonder how they fared with the food coma.

Yeah...there was a little snow on the ground.

A.M.I. - EST

The first in a series of unplugged weekends. Does amazing things for your stress levels.

First up - Anna Maria Island

May I suggest a gorgeous traveling companion as well.

As you can see...the weather was less than ideal so we had to make the best of it.

No laptops allowed..

Miami Heat - EST

The heat - not involving Shaq - was almost unbearable in Miami this week. I like heat but this was crazy.

This feels like an episode of Burn Notice except that I'm wearing wool.

Chillin with the ladies of Miami...

Local color

Sunset at the Townhouse