The Wild Kingdom in Omaha

We just got back from Omaha. We were out visiting my mom, who has lung cancer, along with the rest of the Bayer Clan. It was pretty emotional to see everyone, including a couple of nieces and nephews I'd not met before.

It's been close to 10 years since I'd been back to visit. Some things had changed; more gray hairs, people softer around the edges, less worry about stuff and more enjoyment of the moment.

One thing that hadn't changed was the culinary tour of Omaha. It started with Angus aged steaks (Nothing like them, ever!), continued on with an apple and melted brie omelet, then spinach and artichoke calzone, and finally Jamaican jerk bean soup and club sandwiches. Pound for pound (pun intended), you can't beat Omaha for good eating. Go figure!

My mom looked good,all things considered, though she was definitely a bit weary. I only saw one spark from her all weekend, and when I did I couldn't help but grin because I knew she was in there somewhere still fighting. Bottom line, cancer sucks.

Anyway, from L to R: Josephine, Kyle, Jay, Colin, and Emory- the latest incarnation of the family.