So this event that Melinda and I attended last night, the one for which I needed nice clothes, was actually in Denver, Colorado. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of the fact that we were going to be out of town for a night because we agreed to allow Ella to stay alone in the house. No need to be broadcasting that in advance of it happening.

The event was the annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Breath of Life Gala. What made it significant to us is that some longtime family friends of mine, dating all the way back to my side of the family living in Omaha, were being honored. Bill Elder, childhood friend especially to my brother Scott but buddies with both Steve and me, as well, and his wife Teresa were the recipients of the foundation’s greatest honor. Their son, Bill, Jr, has Cystic Fibrosis, a tragic event that propelled Bill and Teresa into serious fundraising and awareness raising. Bill, Jr is now 24, is a graduate of Stanford University, and is currently applying to medical schools. His health is excellent.

So that’s what propelled Melinda to make a side trip to Wyoming a week in advance and what launched my need for a new suit. My parents, Scott and his partner Sally, and I rendezvoused with Melinda in Denver yesterday afternoon and then attended the incredible event. By the time the night had drawn to an end, Melinda and I had even danced to a Lady Gaga song.

Today’s photo is from our flight home as our plane turned directly above the University of Washington to be aligned for its final approach.