Christmas time in Omaha! As a resident since 2001 I’ve grown to appreciate the Midwest flavor of the holiday (contrasted to the palm trees in Houston). But, I’ve been coming to Omaha in December since the late 1980s, thirty some years now.
I was a stud back then, always wanted to find a race in Omaha in December. Not to be found. Same as it ever was.
What I did find still sticks to my ribs. Butsy LeDoux’s. Creole and Cajun cuisine, New Orleans in the Old Market. Favorite from the menu of the now shuttered Butsy’s, Voodoo Stew.
I found it remarkably tasty, authentic. But it was what hung on the walls that really stirred me, fed my soul. The owner had been friends with none other than Salvador Dali. The grouping of, twelve if memory serves, seafood themed prints, larger than life, gifts from the master. Adorning the walls and inspiring wonder. I would ponder, “how in the world did such a collection end up in this little hole in the wall in Omaha.” The news scroll across the television this morning announcing theft of the $60,000 collection. Here’s to hoping they catch the scoundrel(s).
Good luck to Johnny Rutford at this weekend’s CIM. He’ll improve 2015’s time there by 10-15 minutes.
I’ve been busy behind the curtain this week. USATF Annual meetings in Orlando. Congrats to Vin Lanana, our new USATF President after Jackie Joyner-Kersee withdrew from the election. Great news for the LDR community, Vin is one of the most respected coaches and administrators in the US. And it is an election year with several important positions up for grabs.
I sit here with Jedediah in front of the wood burning stove, sipping my coffee, smiling at my Linda.
USATF. Our USATF. Nebraska’s USATF. Against difficult odds making it all the more savory, roadmap leading to today. Our USATF Club Cross Champs are next weekend, we’ve got just a boatload of Nebraskans headed down to Tallahassee.
Good Fight fought. Good Fight won.
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