Gridiron 2009

Dale pointed out to me last night that it was the 20th anniversary of our first Gridiron together. I can think of only two years that I have missed the annual skit/satire show put on by members of the news media in Wichita. I think Dale hasn't missed any. Here are a few scenes from the night:

Randy Brown, who emcees the show, and Mizz Bonnie Bing, who is one of the biggest stars of the show as well as being The Fairy Tale Princess.

Most of the cast rehearsing backstage before the show.

Jaime Oppenheimer, Denise Bruce and Teresa Veazey rehearsing a number. As usual, they were all hilarious and seriously talented thespians.

Jaime, Teresa and Stephanie Barnard, who was new to the show's cast this year.



Jeff Butts handed out programs in his official Gridiron T-shirt.


A view of the lobby at the Orpheum during intermission.



Among those attending: Travis Heying and David and Tess Knadler.


Denise produced the show this year and received a huge bouquet of flowers for her hard work onstage during intermission. She and Dale are giving each other the stink eye here, but...

Ha! They were just kidding. They're friends again here.


Obligatory photo of me at the party, with Tess.

Happy Birthday, Mom

Saturday was spent at Mom's house in Great Bend celebrating her birthday.



Her 6 year old grandson, Will, stood by her side the entire time she opened her gifts just in case she needed help.

Like here.


Among those who helped Mom celebrate were my niece Rachel, her dad, Chris, my brother Steve (standing) and my niece Elizabeth.


My sister Lisa came with her son's girlfriend, also named Lisa. She's holding Mom's adorable Pomeranian, Ginger.


My sister-in-law Anne with her son Joe, who is my Mom's youngest grandchild.


As is typical, the day included a bit of pool playing. My mom is a highly skilled player.



Her opponent, my nephew Dylan.

Chocolate reign

My Saturday night was spent helping to judge entries in a fund-raiser for Exploration Place called Death by Chocolate. There was everything from truffles to brownies to mousse to martinis to chocolate-covered bacon and even chicken wings and steak bites with cocoa and chocolate-chipotle spices in them.


The judges, however, gave the top prize to the artistic and mind-blowingly delicious chocolate candies from Cocoa Dolce, the best chocolatier in Wichita in my opinion.


Dale and I hung out with Denise, who got the judging gig for us, and our friend Katie.


Katie and Dale enjoying the food and drink.

Some samples of the indulgence we sampled during the night...

White chocolate-covered macaroons.


One of the creative vendors.

The event included a jazz band and ballroom dancers.



And a chocolate-colored casket (Death by Chocolate, get it?)

I did not have one of these grasshoppers but the rest of the gang declared them top-notch.


Katie and Denise with county commissioner Tim Norton.

We ran into Tess and David Knadler, who are at all the fashionable events.


Parting shot of Katie and Denise at night's end.