It's good to be home after exhibiting in three trade shows during August.  It was also encouraging to end the summer on a positive note with good turnouts and positive feedback at The IGC Show in Chicago and The FarWest Show in Portland.   

I must admit that I was a bit starstruck by the gargantuan Marilyn Monroe exhibit in Chicago and could not resist having my picture taken with her supersized foot.  In the Windy City I also enjoyed dining with friends at Gibson's, Chicago Cut, and The Purple Pig, where I highly recommend the Pig Ears and the Bone Marrow Spread.  Unfortunately I was unable to try the Fried Deviled Eggs, as they were sold out each time I was there. 

I love the FarWest Show hours: noon to six PM.  Some other show directors out there could take a hint.  After a hard day on the show floor in Portland I was able to work in my favorite restaurant, The Heathman, as well as Jake's, and Veritable Quandary, where you must order the bacon wrapped dates and the poached egg salad.  It's a tough job but someone's gotta do it.

Here are a few amateur photos that I was able to capture in both cities with my trusty Droid.