I called my friend Bute in Texas today. He is going to be in town the 13-21 & is bunking at my place - "I got the day off from work on the 14th. We can head down to dad & Sharon's early in the morning. It takes four and a half hours to get there. We are going to the Royals/Cubs game." I wasn't planning on a trip to spring training until the 23rd. But I talked with my boss today & he said I could have the day off - "It will have to be down & back because I have to work on the 15th. Plus I am headed that way again on the 23rd," I add.
Bute comes to town every year around this time & I am looking forward to his visit this year - lots more than any previous - "You are telling me that you are a business man. Am I correct to believe that?" Bute branched out on his own after twenty years. He is in the air conditioning business. Houston is his base market. From everything I am gathering he is doing quite well, but wants to do better - "That is what I am telling you exactly fool," is his answer to my inquiry - "I am curious to see what you can add to the mix."
Bute & I tried a run at things a few years back. It didn't go as hoped. We were on two different planets in terms of how organic growth works. Nowadays it feels are prognostications are more in tune - "You talk a big game my man. I know you are kicking some ass now that you are on your own. When you come to town we are going to discuss a myriad of subjects I can prove beneficial. I hope you have your thinking cap on." I like to razz him a little now that he is Mr. Bigshot - "Don't you worry son," he tells me, "We are going to have a hell of a time when I come out. We will discuss things then. Make sure you have the place all nice for me."
As our conversation is drawing to a close, he asks - "How is your dad & Sharon getting along? I am looking forward to seeing them." I thank him for the inquiry & say - "They are doing well. Once spring training starts they become very popular. Also, Jamie (brother) & his family are going to be in town the same time you are. Maybe all of us can go to Amore's for dinner or something." -- "Sounds good to me buddy," Bute proclaims, "I will be out there soon enough."
I would like to end this post with a thought I am having...call it the village idiot thought of the day - "I go on & on about the potential of Asian consumers. If you take note of Macau's current gaming number- (thirty five billion) - It is seven times greater than Las Vegas'. The number is enormous. Now take this into consideration. The number in Macau is projected to double in five years to seventy billion. That's a lot of money!"
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