A 24 hour layover in Nairobi and then we’re off to the Serengeti in Tanzania. We probably won’t have internet for a few days, so here’s a preview of our first stop.

With a five hour layover in Amsterdam I decided to change up my blog format to display larger pictures.

Arrived at our 2nd layover point.

1st leg complete in our journey. A quick layover in the state of my birth.

Caught my nephew Kaden’s all-star game. He’s a ballplayer.

Brit is back to playing club and what a difference. They won their first game of the National Cup tourney 2-0. Brit scored one and assisted the other.

#32 Done

No one hates a graduation ceremony more than I. But today the two seconds of pride when Brittany was called up to receive her diploma made me forget about the two hours of utter torture. The icing on the cake was the after party. I don’t think Brittany will soon forget the expression of love from each and every member of her family. I…

The Class of 2013. I swear it was just yesterday I was walking Brittany to kindergarten. We’d throw pinecones at trees and I tell her variations of a story I made up called Willard the Worm. But now she’s a graduate with a bright future. I couldn’t be prouder.

Last day of high school for Brit. Happy to trash any remnants.

#19 in Progress

I think we screwed up the yeast. Time will tell.

If I asked my doctor what I should do about my cough I’m pretty sure he would have said, “don’t go to Vegas or clean your garage.” I did both.

Back in Blahbank. My punishment for visiting Sin City is a debilitating cough that may be the death of me… Or Sonia.

An interesting take on bacon and eggs.

Dinner at Mizumi at the Wynn. Beautiful atmosphere, but a little underwhelmed with the food.

Spoke too soon. We’re flirting with losing our shirts. Sonia doesn’t have much more to give.

We haven’t lost our shirt yet on the tables, so I purchased my first Brioni sport coat.

My favorite pizzeria in the world opened a restaurant at the Palazzo in Vegas. Although it doesn’t match the experience of walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and waiting in line for a half hour to eat at the original, the pizza is damn near identical.

Cashing in her Mother’s Day gift.

Dinner at Sinatra at the Encore was superb.

#77 in Progress

Poolside at the Encore in Vegas. Just preparing for Brittany’s final week of High School.

We’re going to give the other end of the strip a try this time.

Up in the air….

#76 in Progress

I’ve driven past this place for the last two years, but didn’t stop in until today. After seeing Chili John’s featured on a recent episode of “Dives, Diners and Drive-ins”, the place reminded me a lot of my favorite late night neighborhood joint, Real Chili in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And wouldn’t you know, the first Chili John’s was opened in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1900…

Our Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama

Not sure what we were doing here with the baskets, but you always tried to make it fun.

A friend of mine loves chicken fried steak. This was his birthday cake from last night.

#71 in Process

Mildly entertained. And I mean mildly.

Passively looking for our next home. This one had a great view, but bad bones.

Prom Night

Thank God this only happens once. Brittany’s dress was designed and made by her mother. One day she’ll realize how special that was.

#2 Custom Roll Cage In Progress

I should just call this a work in progress for life.

#29 Done

Sonia, Brittany and I have been taking pilates classes for a little over two months now. In that time I’ve gained ten pounds because I think I can eat whatever I want after I work out. Another pound and I’ll hit the 190lb mark which I hope will be a last straw. With that said, the cardio exercise has brought the blood pressure down…

#88 The List

The list is out. Eenie Meenie Miney Moe. 1) El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain ▲1 2) Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark ▼ 3) Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy ▲2 4) Mugaritz, San Sebastián, Spain ▼ 1 5) Eleven Madison Park, New York, USA ▲5 6) D.O.M, Sao Paulo, Brazil ▼ 2 7) Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London, UK ▲2 8) Arzak, San Sebastian, Spain =…

#76 is going to fall soon.

#76 in Progress

Enjoyed some rib tips at Bludso’s BBQ.

Celebrated my friend and former writing partner’s 40th birthday in Hollywood.

#67 in Progress

Food truck Friday in Burbank. Went with a couple of burgers from the Paddy Wagon.

#76 in Progress

Scored another million dollar dinner experience. Trois Mec is Ludo Lefebrve’s first permanent restaurant. They have one dinner sitting a night, Monday through Friday. You have to buy a ticket (pre-pay for dinner) prior to coming. Tickets go faster than a popular concert. Currently there are no tickets available for the next month. A perfect dinner.

#2 is still a work in progress

The engine is finally rebuilt.

Our Pilates instructor canceled on us today, so Sonia and I took it upon ourselves (first time ever) to work out on our own. We biked Burbank and ended up at a Mexican restaurant in horse country. This used to be the singing cowboy, Gene Autry’s local restaurant. People still ride right up to the place, tie down their horses and grab a bite…

One fine day.

Last Night’s Dinner

Sorry, Matt, you’ve been overruled by the majority. Food porn from here on out.

#76 in Progress

Enjoyed Rivabella very much. Witnessed another odd celebrity pairing… Gene Simmons from Kiss and Dog the Bounty Hunter. I have some great food pics, but my buddy, Matt, shamed me into not posting pictures of food anymore.

#67 in Progress

The French TV Chef, Ludo Lefebvre’s take on fried chicken. Pretty good.

#2 is still a work in progress

Transmission, transfer case and front axel are now rebuilt.

Hemingway is a believer.

#36 Done

This one had been on the list for the three years now. Finally knocked it out.

Hemingway’s Home

Hemingway’s six toed cats.

More Scenes From Key West

Our client’s boutique in Key West. See, it was a business trip all along.

#48 Done

Enjoyed a drink at Hemingway’s favorite Key West bars, Captain Tony’s and Sloppy Joes. Happy to see the Marquette Flag hanging in Sloppy Joes.