Life is like a roller coaster...

it has its ups and downs, it goes so fast at times you think you are loosing control, and then slows down so you can catch your breath, and then comes to a stop...but the thrill of it all makes you want to get back on and do it all again...

So here I am in Oklahoma with a great new exciting job with many challenges already presented to me and you don't know which way to go at times.  But you look at it like a fruit tree, you reach and pick the low hanging fruit first and handle those projects and get them out of the way, and then start reaching for the tougher and more difficult ones, the new tasks at hand.  Before you know it, your basket starts filling up with the accomplishments you have made and you can see your efforts paying off. 

It's an exciting time at Fort Sill Apache Casino with a new 3.5 Star hotel under construction scheduled to be unveiled in just alittle over 90 days.  I have an incredible staff that is more than willing to make their contributions and just need guidance.  And for those of you who know me, this is my passion.  Working with people, mentoring and showing them the paths and opportunities ahead of them.  Working together to achieve the goals of the organization.  It is an exciting time and I am privileged to be a part of it all, seeing the accomplishments we can make together as a team.

Lawton is a most unique town with the Army base here.  Soldiers everywhere and if you can imagine any chain restaurant, it is here.  But they only have one Starbucks...ummm...what's that about?  So my culinary experiences so far have been Outback, Red Lobster, Sonic, and then throw in a couple local places, Sunshine Omelets, Gerts, Mike's, and Meers in the Wichita Mountains.  Not alot of unique dining choices, but you go with the flow and take what the city has to offer.  Or, which I have done on a few occasions, you cook for yourself.  And even then, sometimes you don't always know what you're getting. 

Exploring the local terrain is always fun, looking and finding what is out there so you don't miss anything and taking it all in.  Life is too short and you don't want to miss out on anything, so just go  for it and enjoy what it has to offer.  That's what I am doing and relishing the time spent in returning to the city and when the family comes down.  Sharing those experiences and enjoying life as it comes. 

So until next post, I am enjoying my experiences and looking forward to new ones with family and good friends, both old and new.  As they help make it all worth while...

So Much...

has happened over the past few weeks I keep with grand intentions to create and maintain this blog...but have no fear it will sustain.  I find it hard to believe Christmas is yet again on us.  With the economy on the rebound in retail sales, I find it ironic almost everyone I know is cutting back this year but yet its on the rebound.  Ummmm.  Guess we are all running in different circles.  I really don't mind cutting back as I find that we have put more thought into gifts instead of just buying. 

And still I have this fascination for talk radio.  I just can't get over how many intelligent people there are out there when they have the chance to speak on the radio...OMG...it is scary honestly.  I do however agree that all of Congress needs to be voted out and replaced.  When are Americans going to wake up and realize they can do something, get rid of them all in their cush political jobs and get some new blood in there.  They can't do any worse...not turning this into a political outlet, but come on.  Haven't you had enough?

And let's talk about customer service...I was at Sam's last evening and man, I thought the employee's were exceptionally friendly for this time of year.  The guy that checked me out was talkative and very polite.  A nice change.   And to all, more later...

Talk Radio and more...

Over the past few days, I have been listening more to talk radio and become somewhat fascinated and annoyed at the same time.  While everyone has an opinion, it seems ironic that everyone also has the solution, but then I shouldn't be surprised.  While I must admit I do agree with some of the commentaries I have heard, some of the solutions have been so right winged and out there, impossible to instigate.  The upcoming elections are taking center stage and rightfully so based upon present economic conditions and as you can imagine, opinions from everyone on everything.  The one thing that seems to be consistent with all the people expressing their opinions is the fact our Congressional elected officials for the most part are all milking the system.  They are not watching their retirement dollars shrink, not concerned about their health care benefits, nor social security and how they will live after they retire from office.  If only we all could be so lucky.  Unfortunately, I do not have the funds to run for office nor most of my friends.  That doesn't mean we are not just as qualified as those in office, but we do not have the political pull to get there.  Maybe then I wouldn't have to worry about retiring one of these days or my own health care.  The system really does need to be changed, but how...  It doesn't matter whether you like Obama or not, he did not create all the mess we are in now.  I certainly would not want to be in his shoes.  But do you really think anyone else truly has a chance to beat him in 2012.  Who would truly want to step into this position now and rumor has it, the Republicans really do not want a person in that office the next 4 years just in case the economy tanks further...encouraging don't you think.  As for myself, it's business as usual and I will be watching and listening to everything.  I will only support those candidates that I feel can make a difference and I will certainly be speaking out.  That is what we all need to do, so what are you waiting for...

Unemployment

So news today of the unemployment rate for November decreasing is causing quite a stir.  Stock market reacting favorably and appears news being well taken.  The fact that 120,000 new jobs have been filled is fantastic news, but the fact that 320,000 people just gave up looking for work, took social security or whatever is sad.  While these figures are out there, it seems no one is really taking it seriously except it is just a part of the economic statistics to be followed. Ummmm.

And I have been listening to more talk radio.  OMG, I did not realize the world was so full of experts on every topic.  Why don't we have these people in positions of power and the world would have no issues.  I did not realize I was surrounded by such greatness.  And to think all this time people have been worrying about things that could have been resolved so easily.  Makes me anxious to just get back into the car so I can listen more. 

More to come so stay tuned...

December One

Here it is, December 1st, a monumental day, at least it is for Terri and I...32 years of marriage.  My how time flies and how did we sustain that many years.  Actually, it wasn't hard when you have a unbelievable partner to take on all the challenges that life throws your way...and is still throwing everyday.  Ok, so I got sick over the Thanksgiving holiday, stuffy noise, can't breath, you know the kind, and now, I shared it with Terri, and she wishes I didn't, so looks like we will be taking a rain check on dinner.  Anyway, I am going to work at this blog and see how it goes.  I certainly hope you will tune in and I will try to keep things light and lively that will make you want to read...only 23 more shopping days !

Too Long...

My original intent was to start a blog focusing on Kansas City Restaurants as we are constantly eating out and wanted to relay our experience.  So much is happening in other areas of our lives as well as others, I have decided the best way to utilize this blog is to make it informative with relevant content for all.  So as of today, that is what you are getting.  Tell your friends and neighbors to subscribe as you may never know what you are going to read.  Interesting facts I promise you that...

Cascone's Again

A friend called and asked if we would join him at Cascone's for dinner which in our book was a no brainer. Always great food and an enjoyable evening.  But what is it about some restaurant owners and their wives that think they are doing you a favor by seating you and serving you dinner?  Did I miss something along the line somewhere or shouldn't this be the other way around?  I certainly wouldn't give the hostess, and in this case a family member any kudos for personality, friendliness, or making you feel welcome.  A smile certainly would not have hurt, but don't think she has done that in years. 

We were seated in the bar as they had some "private party" in the entire dining room.  Ummm, but okay.  The bartender was the only server in the entire area and needless to say, she was running as in a marathon.  Relatively speaking, she did a very good job in keeping up with all the patrons at the bar and serving all the tables that were almost now full in the bar due to "this private party".  They actually could have used another server on the floor in the bar if they knew they had this event, but hey, guess the party planning department wasn't communicating with the staffing department. 

Dinner came and as usual, was done in true Cascone style...delicious!   

Shrimp Fettuccine, Chicken Lemonada, and Chicken Spedini.  The only thing that could have been improved upon was the Spedini which was what our friend was having and said it could have used a tad bit more sauce, but otherwise a crowd pleaser. 

Now here is what I don't get...we see the owner come on the floor and gravitate to only one table, evidently someone he knows and asks how dinner is and if everything is alright which was overheard by other tables.  Stops and has a bit of small talk with them and when that is finished turns and heads directly, do not pass go, straight line back to the kitchen without looking or speaking with anyone else.  Wouldn't be just a common curiosity to stop at a few other tables and inquire as to how their dinner was, if everything was alright, blah blah blah.  Now don't know about you, but made me feel as "his friends" visit was the only one that counted and my money wasn't appreciated.  So, while our friendly server did a very good job in keeping up with everything she had on her plate and ours, good food and of course good company, it will probably be a while before we go back just because of the owner's attitude.  Hey, maybe you think that is trivial, but there are alot of restaurants in Kansas City who do make you feel welcome, and if Cascone's owners want to cater to their friends, hey let them.  Guess their friends money is more important than mine so will be taking it elsewhere for a while.  Let me know your thoughts...