Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from the Cayman Islands!

We hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Wichita

In Wichita Bob and I were able to do something we can't do in Cayman - drink interesting beers. We miss breweries and microbrews; going to the store and having the option of buying a new, well crafted, beers.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that one of my favorite beers from Free State in Lawrence has started bottling!

We also tried the beers at River City Brewery in Old Town, had an Ad Astra at the Anchor, and made it to Fox and Hound for a new favorite called Buffalo Sweat. Unfortunately Buffalo Sweat is made by the Tallgrass Brewery in Manhattan, KS. It may be the only good thing that has come out of that city ;).

We did manage to take in a few other Wichita "landmarks". Here we are getting ready to watch Harry Potter 7 part 1 in the upstairs lounge of the Warren. I love the Warren Theater and made specific plans to watch HP on the main screen. I was so excited to see the movie in the USA! Bob is pretending to be excited.

Here is a photo of my parents new dog Foster. They've actually had him for over a year now. He is a rescue Australian Shepherd. He may be the most obedient dog (other than service dogs) that I've ever met. On his nose is a piece of "Beggin' Strip". He seriously sat there waiting with that on his nose while I went in the other room, found my camera and took the photo. Such a good dog!

Kansas City

Thanksgiving in Kansas was a good idea. Reason 1, we were able to see a lot of friends and family that frequently are out of town for Christmas. Reason 2, the weather. Oh how lucky we were to have 40-60 degree highs instead of the winter weather domination Kansas is experiencing now.

We spent half of our time in KC and the other half in Wichita. I really didn't do a very good job taking photos, though I thought I was rocking it at the time. Bob never takes photos, so I did a 100% better job then him.

Here we are at our first Mexican meal at Mi Ranchito with Lindsay and Travis. This was a fun night as we used to live with Travis at his house in OP and it was like old times, eating at the restaurant and hanging out at his house.

Lindsay was a little tired after working nights in the month of November. :)

Here is Bob cuddling with their beagle, Emma. I think someone had puppy withdrawal!

We had a nice time in KC and had some quality time down on the Plaza. We spent one afternoon shopping and came back the following week for fancy dinner and the Plaza Lights!

Here is Bob with his Grandma and Mom. Such a good boy.

I carried a watermelon.

I carried a watermelon?!?

That is EXACTLY how my encounter went with Bill Self. My mom found him standing around The Oread lobby on his phone. As you know my mom is not shy so she asked him for a photo. She ran over for Clifton and me to come meet Bill Self. BILL SELF?!? I was all flustered. I literally hid behind a pole while he continued his phone conversation. Then he said "Well, are we going to do this?". I jumped from around the pole and all I could say was "I came all the way from the Cayman Islands to see the game last night!", then I froze. Just like Baby. I felt super stupid until the unthinkable happened, Bill Self started talking to me! Like a real conversation! The first photo is him talking to me about Cayman and me looking super creepy.

Then a very nice Oread employee offered to take a photo of the three of us. This photo looks much better, I think!

We were the only people to bother him for a picture. I justified that since he was standing in the lobby of the Oread, 30 minutes before the start of the KU Football game, he was kinda asking for it. Also, I live far away now and I can't act all cool around local celebrities. I need to take advantage!

All I have to say is thank goodness I did my hair!

Glorious to view . . .

While in Kansas I made my way to Lawrence, of course :)

There is a new hotel in Lawrence called "The Oread" (KU's main campus is on Mt. Oread) and sits in the location of The Crossing and Yellow Sub. I was very bummed when I heard they were tearing down those KU landmarks. It is sad to think I am one of the last classes to enjoy an afternoon beer in the spring or a sandwich you have to wait 20 minutes for. I digress. I was apprehensive about the new hotel, but was won over this weekend by it's limestone decor and wonderful rooftop terraces.

Here is a view from the top terrace.

While in Kansas I found a way to go to a KU Football and Basketball game. Those of you who know me well can only imagine how happy that made me! Friday night was the KU Bball game. KU won, of course!

Saturday morning we went to the KU vs OSU football game. We did not win but it was nice to go and enjoy the atmosphere. Also, check out that new video board!

It was the first time in a long time that the original Mason's were together. Bob stayed in KC to hang out with his family. We also met up with my dad's cousin Mike that lives in Lawrence.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk, Go KU!

Oh Give Me a Home . . .

Get ready Kansas, because here we come!

I am SOOOOO excited to visit Kansas this week. I'm glad we aren't going back for Christmas mostly because I can't wait any longer. Also because November offers both KU football AND basketball! I know the football team is a bit over par this year, but still. A game is a game and I'm going to enjoy myself this weekend, win or lose!

Next I want to address the SERIOUS lack of Mexican food on this island. I have severe salsa deficiency right now. I plan to eat my weight in enchiladas during this trip. If I haven't gained at least 5 lbs due to Mexican food by the time I go back to Cayman then I will consider the trip a failure!

There are some old Wichita favorites that I also hope to see. One is the classic Old Mill Tasty Shop. So yummy, so simple.

Of course, there is also the phenomenon of wheat beer that we miss so much. Bob especially can't wait for a few Boulevards!

I promise we are also excited to see our family and friends! It is time to get off the "rock" and back to the real world!!

The unthinkable has happened!

I have a JOB. Like a real job, with a real work permit and real paychecks!

I am a server at a new restaurant opening in Camana Bay called Ortanique: Cuisine of the Sun. I started training today and the restaurant opens Nov 24. I was hired for the job almost 2 months ago but I didn't want to say anything until the work permit was approved. As an expat, you don't really have the job until the government says so.

Did you click on the link above? Ortanique is fancy, no? Doesn't the food look amazing? I can not wait until the food tasting day! The restaurant is really nice and they have a location in Miami with a great following. Also exciting is that the head chef in Cayman was on Top Chef, Season 3!

This job does change things around here, but hopefully the hours won't be too strenuous. Bob will be very busy this winter at work, so hopefully this job will keep me from going stir crazy!

Here is a photo from the first day of training. I'm the tall one in the back, like always :).