Mike's unexpected week-long vacation ...

Brother-in-law Steve's been in town, last Sunday night through Friday morning, and I've been happily squiring him about, giving him the fitty-cent tour of Eastern MO and introducing him to people and ideas he'd never in a million years meet or hear back home in Washington DC.  He works just a few blocks from the White House.

He's the Senior IT guy/software developer for a major newspaper chain/news syndicator and now that's he's experienced some of Flyover Country I actually expect hope that we might be seeing some subtle changes in their news and editorial content...

The kids and grandkids loved seeing their Uncle Steve again and Tasha, the STLMedia Watch Dog, promptly (and properly) glommed onto him as another one of those gullible humans who like rubbing dogs. And Steve's presence certainly made Jason's 34th birthday celebration extra-special!

Turns out he's become a black-powder enthusiast so we visited Cabela's to re-supply his shooting stash and had planned a day at the new outdoor range in Bridgeton but it became a rain day instead.  Maybe next visit, Steve.  You'll love the AK and the 9mm carbine!

His flight back home was very early Friday morning and both Mrs. A and I were sad to see him leave.

Now, back to the STL salt mines.