I can't even start this blog without acknowledging the terrible tragedy in Las Vegas. When I write that word "tragedy", it doesn't even seem to fit. A hurricane is a tragedy, a fatal car accident is a tragedy. But I just don't think it fits here. A tragedy is an accident, or something random like a tree falling on you. This is something else. It's too big and awful and evil to be called a tragedy. Maybe that's just the way I see it.
Susan and I were in downtown Las Vegas sleeping when this happened. We woke up to a phone call at 5am from my daughter Allison. Susan answered the phone and I could tell right away it was something bad; something that had shaken Allison up. She was calling because she woke up to the news and was checking on us.
When we heard what had happened, there was no going back to sleep. We packed and left within 30 minutes. When we got downstairs, a line for a taxi was already forming and only one cab had come by in the last 30 minutes. We talked to the guy in front of us and agreed we'd take the next cab to the airport.
Steve and Falen called and we talked on the air about what I knew and what they knew. The only helpful thing I could share was that Mandalay Bay is at the far south end of the strip and anyone who was on the strip Sunday night was likely to be far away from the shooting.
The airport was quiet and somber, just like everyone was on 9/11. It's odd to me that I was off work that day, and also the day after the shooting at the nightclub in Orlando. Meaningless, I know, but odd.
This picture of Mandalay Bay was taken as we pulled into the airport. Here's a building that once represented fun and joy and vacation and things that make us happy. From now on, no one will ever look at it the same. I wouldn't be surprised if they tore it down. At the very least, they'll rename it.
I'd posted on Facebook earlier today that there are no consoling words or no profound perspective that makes us all feel better. More than 50 people are dead and their loved ones are in agony over this. All because of one person's behavior.
There's really not much more to say. So let's move onto some lighter stuff.
Here's something happy! The rock at Chanhassen High School before the game Friday night! We love watching High School football. And seeing Carson in the band!
Here's a lesson for you. Do NOT take a large-size bottle of contact solution through airport security without removing it from your carry-on!
I didn't take many pictures while we were in Las Vegas. Here's one of us on Fremont Street downtown. We spent the day walking around, gambling a little and eating too much.
I admit, this picture sucks and doesn't even tell a story. I was at the pool and I thought I was getting a picture of the sharks in the tank behind the pool. #Fail
Definitely a sad day for all of us. The weather isn't helping any. It's okay to be sad and to feel bewildered. There really isn't a silver lining in this story, so I'll stop trying to find something upbeat to say.
Thanks for looking at my blog.