2021, November 8-14

Dad gave some presentations and was out of town for a few days at his first in-person conference in two years. 

Fergus is a funny fellow. He found the full laundry baskets and decided to make himself at home on Monday morning. Maybe he likes the rich aroma of well-worn apparel. 

Mike presented at the Learning Edge conference in Provo. It's always a bit nerve-wracking, but for the first time in a long time some of the fun of working with an audience came back. 

He and Eliza took a walk down to her Activity Days get together. We saw a brilliant rainbow on the way, and Mike got to have a pleasant stroll in the gentle rain.  

On Veterans Day Thursday, Mike traveled out to Columbus, Ohio, for a conference. He thinks it was the first time he's been on a flight since two years ago when he went to the same conference in New Orleans. In that time, the Salt Lake airport has received some major upgrades, including a new LEGO Store. 

Fergus realized something was up and his person was not at home. Eliza wasn't too happy about it either. It's nice to be missed. 

While traveling, Mike got to dine at Columbus's North Market. He had ramen from Satori Ramen Bar and Ice Cream from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. He's had better ramen, but that Mexican hot chocolate was a pleasant surprise. The cinnamon and chocolate melted sweetly into a fiery finish that settled in the back of his throat and lingered there without burning too much. It was the kind of ice cream that merited taking the experience slowly and savoring each bite. 

Eliza continues to learn new skills on horseback. It's a joy to watch her. 

 Eliza continues to wear her Halloween costume, which she loves dearly. 

She, Landon, and Mom took Friday off so they could run some errands and see Eliza's counselor. They stopped by a fun boutique in Farmington. 

They also helped a family pack up some materials for an upcoming move. They met this cute fellow and almost arranged to dogsit him for a few months. Plans fell through though. Still, it makes one think. Time to foster a puppy? 

A much-anticipated box arrived for Mike in the mail on Friday as well, weighing in at over 30 pounds. 

Hallie bought a fun new sign for in front of the house with seasonal hanging thingies. 

She also had a chat with our HOA manager about cutting way back the hedge in front of (read "blocking") our living room window. It got cut back. Here's hoping it stays alive. 

Mike's presentations Friday went well, and during the lunch hour between sessions Saturday he took a walk down to Columbus's German Village by way of the State House. 

He went to the Red Stable and Schmidt's Fudge Haus and brought back some hand-made turtles and buckeyes. 

And the fall foliage was on fire. 

And (maybe because it was game day for Ohio State?) the church bells all along 3rd Street were ringing, and some even played whole tunes! 

As it didn't make sense to stay as long as he first though he needed to, Mike came home a day early, stopping for a brief layover in Detroit on the way. Hello, Detroit!

Family members were happy to see him home. Eliza and Landon were particularly interested in getting the big box opened. Here's what it contained. 

The LEGO Titanic has over 9,000 pieces and comes in three sections. The kids were kind enough to help Mike with some of the build. 

This is eight stages in. There are a total of 46 numbered stages. It's going to take a while. By the time we're done, it will be some 18 inches high and 53 inches long. Here's an interesting article on the set from Brickset.