Sorry I haven't updated recently

Greetings from St Louis.

Life is hectic here. I'm really not on a vacation as much as I'm just having fun.

My sister, Donnagail, and I are volunteering for the MLB Fan Fest. We went to orientation on Wednesday evening, then worked 6-11pm on Thursday evening and were back at America's Center on Friday morning for an 8am-1pm shift. We will work again Tuesday from 8-1, then watch the red carpet all-star parade at 2pm as the players go to Busch Stadium. Monday is our day to be fans at Fan Fest. 

A great place to see what's happening here is ... http://www.stltoday.com/allstar

We've also been playing restaurant critics. We've been to Triumph Grill, The Royale Cafe, Wapango, Courtesy Diner, and Pi.  Each has a history as well as great food and a wonderful atmosphere. STL is a GREAT food town and the wait service has been exceptional. More on the eateries later. Still to come ... Mosaic, Ventana, Al Hrabosky's, Imo's Pizza, Adriana's, Chevy's, and The Venitian ... not to mention another trip or two to Ted Drewes' and maybe I'll sneak off to Steak 'n Shake. Gastric bypass in August. LOL

Today we went to the Missouri Botanical Gardens to take senior pix for my oldest niece, Liz. As I always tell my students, it's not a good photo shoot unless you get fussed at or suffer bodily injury. We were fussed at for not having a professional photo permit. "But ma'am, I'm NOT a professional, just a very fussy amateur ... with a photo reflector, bounce flash, telephoto lens ... and a family with very high expectations!

I have been getting a LOT of walking ... also chasing a puppy that's part shepherd and part chow ... and parking at the $4 lots in downtown (because they have security and are run by - and benefit - the St Louis Women's Shelter) and then walking to our events. Walking. I wanna Vespa! But walking is good for me ...

We're on our way out the door to meet up with friends for the MLB Concert, Missouri native Sheryl is performing under the Gateway Arch, along with Elvis Costello. My other choice is to be in Joliet, IL for the race at Chicagoland Speedway ... but I'm having fun here.

Hey, thanks for reading. Send emails to mikerine56@gmail.com, or leave a comment below.