The most exciting part of my month was a trip to Madison WI. I had to go to Chicago for business, so a planned a side trip to see Chayce.
The first order of business was to visit his office. WOW! What a place. The company has clearly recognized that they have hired a bunch of young smart people and have created a work environment that is both functional and fun. I have never seen a campus anything like it. It is built in the middle of beautiful farm land, but it is only short drive from Madison. If you ever get up that way; have Chayce take you on a tour. I was blown away.
In the lobby of Chayce’s building. Chayce works in a trio of buildings titled the Farm. The Shed (Chayce’s) The Stable and the Barn. Other building themes are space, medieval and others I can’t remember. They are in the process of building a new set based on Harry Potter! Can’t wait to see those. We checked out a conference room that is an actual tree house, yes you read it right.
This one is for Brandon, because friends don’t let friends drive Red tractors :)
Chayce in his office
View from Epic (Chayce’s Company) Campus. It doesn’t get any more picturesque than this.
Eating dinner at Chayce’s favorite Vietnamese restaurant. Chayce is explaining the intricacies of Pho; yes there are many.
While I was in town we picked up a few new furniture items for Chayce’s apartment. He is learning the joys of “some assembly required” furniture. Who needs directions….?
We spent an afternoon touring downtown. Loved it! The University of Wisconsin and the state capital dominate the landscape. It has the look of a mid sized city, but the feel of a smaller town. Great walking and biking downtown through tons of shops, bars and restaurants.
View of Madison from across one of the lakes that surround the city.
Chayce fitting in with the locals
We tried the City Bikes and I’m hooked, what a great concept. They are such a fun and cheap way to see a city. I’ve seen them in other cities and have been tempted, but now I’ll be doing it more often.
Finally a new food addiction. Well when I’m in Wisconsin that is, I’m not sure other places can match these. Chayce took me to the place he and Kim liked the best and I agree; they are awesome. I’m sure they are a very healthily low calorie snack.
Before my trip to Wisconsin, Kim and I moved to San Diego for a month with the idea of escaping the heat, ya, well so much for that idea. The two tropical storms that wreaked havoc on AZ passed just south of San Diego brining record heat and humidity. The first half of our trip was not so pleasant weather wise. That said, SD is a great city and we did find plenty of ways to entertain ourselves. Plus it is always great to be by the ocean.
The desert drive from AZ to CA is full of geographic and alien surprises. The route takes you along the US/Mexican boarder. You can see the boarder fence at multiple places and the US boarder patrol is very visible.
The house we rented was on the edge of Balboa Park. We had a great time exploring the zoo, museums and open spaces the park offered. Such a nice park to have in middle of a city. We were also right next to downtown, so we spent plenty of time visiting the diverse neighborhoods.
Sunset over Balboa Park
Sunset at the beach
Tried to get Kim up on the bar, but no go. 
Brandon got some good news, he was accepted into the study abroad program and will be going to Rome Italy for the winter semester. Kim and I will be figuring out how to go visit him for sure. More on this as we learn about the program over then next few months.
Have a great October!
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