Shea Andersen: At the Roundhouse

Making friends in tall places

Few people would doubt Terri Cole's ability to meet and greet. The peripatetic president of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce is rarely without a conversation partner.

But I have to say that today she reached, ah, new heights. It is Military Appreciation Day up here at the Roundhouse, and the place is swarming with men and women in uniform. Gov. Bill Richardson even made a proclamation about the contributions of the armed services.

Part of the festivities included a ten foot tall inflated soldier (with an operator-actor inside), who stood in the Capitol entryway, waving to passers-by and greeting any kids that came around.

I guess Cole couldn't resist making a new friend. As I walked by at one point there she was, having a lively conversation with the inflated marine.