I've been out of touch because I am at a conference in New Orleans. Today I broke down and paid the $10/day for high speed internet.
Arrived on Wed. evening too late to do anything fun. Yesterday after the conference day ended I met Angie for a drink. She flew down from DC yesterday to be my social director during the off hours. After a glass of champagne we left the business district for a fabulous dinner with friends. I had fried oysters with Brie as an appetizer, seared scallops in a mango glaze for an entree and we split a slice of homeade coconut cream pie.

I skipped the free lunch today because it involved a 2 hour awards ceremony. Instead I walked around the corner a few blocks to a Cuban place. The food and service were outstanding. Tonight we have two happy hour places and another great dinner place lined up. Of all things I love about N.O., the food is my fave. I will not let another ten years go by without visiting again.
The conference itself has been interesting. As usual some topics are more relevant and interesting than others. Yesterday I was wandering through the exhibit hall after the programs ended and bumped into someone I knew. The hall was mostly empty of people so he invited me in the back booth for wine and blackjack. We played with some investment guys' money and at a dollar a hand who could resist? I did pretty well but went all in on the last hand and lost it all. I am all about taking chances when there is no risk to me. The conference ends tomorrow and I am staying through Sunday to have more play time.
The weather is radically different than home but I am adapting to 88 degrees and high humidity fairly quickly. It's nice to just be warm and the weather at home sounds pretty dreary for the fourth week in a row. I checked in with Tom and both he and Keegan are doing just fine. He might have to get creative tomorrow if a storm comes, as Keegan doesn't really like being stuck inside now that he has had a taste of freedom.